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Book 



PRESENTED BY 










A 

DESCRIPTIVE 



HISTORIGAL,CHEMICAL 

AND 
THERAPEUTICAL 

ANALYSIS 



OF THE 



AVON SULPHUR SPRINGS, 

LIVINGSTON COUNTY, N. Y. 
fFith directions for their use. 



BY SAMUEL SALISBURY, Jr. M. D. 



ROCHESTER: 

D. M. DEWEY, No. 2 ARCADE HALL. 

1845. 



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1 



RAwt- 






f.VT Putnun. 






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£ 

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CONTENTS, 



INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 

The Locality of Watering Places a matter 
of great importance : — Beautiful Scenery, 
Air, and Light — their effects upon the hu- 
man system. Some of the causes of the 
recent neglect of Mineral Waters, deduced 
from history:— A renewed interest beginning 
to be manifested in regard to them •••••»*» 9 

CHAPTER I. 

Description of Avon, and of the Mineral 
Springs. Considered as a remedial agent by 
the Indians. Hotels — Historical Account 
of the several Springs. Geology of the 
region in which they are situate. Falls at 
Portage — Letter from Daniel Wadsworthj 
Esq., of Connecticut, in respect to them. 
Long Point, at Lake Conesus. Trout- 
fishing at Caledonia #....... .....•,., 18 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER II. 



funeral Remarks on the Chemical Constitu- 
tion of Sulphurous Waters. Classification 
applied to those of the U. States. Lower 
Spring — an Analysis of it. Upper, New 
Bath, and Iodine Springs ; with Analyses. 
Letter from James R. Chilton, M.D., of New 
York city ...... « . • « 31 

CHAPTER III. 

Inattention to the Medicinal Effects of Mineral 
Waters — a knowledge of their ingredients 
serves as a guide to the proper use of them. 
Mineral Ingredients of the Avon Waters : — 
SULPHURETTED HYDROGEN— 
Liebig and Armstrong's views of the opera- 
tion of this gas — Carbonate of Lime — Chlo- 
ride of Calcium — Sulphates of Magnesia 
and Soda-— Armstrong's views — Medicinal 
effects : — Cathartic — Diaphoretic — Diuretic 
Expectorant — Tonic * 49 

CHAPTER IV. 

Medicinal applicability of the Waters to partic- 
ular Diseases : — Rheumatism — Diseases of 



CONTENTS, 7 

the Skin. Cases of J. A. and R. A. A Phy- 
sician from Ontario County cured of Lep- 
rosy, Urinary Diseases — Diseases of the 
Digestive Organs — -Dr. Francis' vie^s^ ? 
Scrofula — Diseases of the Chest, Case' of 
Asthma. Female Diseases . . . . . 71 

CHAPTER V. 

Method of using the Waters. Several Springs 
differing in their properties. Quantity, time, 
and manner of using them. Opinions of Dr. 
Francis. External use. *•• 87 



INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER, 



The following pages require only a brief 
introduction. The increasing celebrity of 
the waters of Avon, and the great number 
of invalids who annually resort to them, 
imperiously called for a treatise elucidating 
their sanative properties, and incidentally 
descriptive of the beautiful region in which 
they are situate. Many valuable springs, 
powerfully impregnated with remedial ingre- 
dients, and affording a very large supply of 
water, gush forth from the interior of the 
earth within a short distance of each other ; 
the curative qualities of which have been 
abundantly tested by the cure of many 
hundreds of afflicted patients. Others, ow- 
ing to their unfortunate geographical position, 
have been visited by the curious alone. 

Locality is an important feature in a wa- 
tering place. Experience has proved that 
cleanliness and pleasant associations are 
2 



10 SCENERY AND TORE AIR. 

important auxiliaries in promoting the con- 
valescence of patients, and that, apart from 
the healing virtues of mineral waters, a sa- 
lubrious atmosphere and charming scenery, 
are potential aids in restoring the valetudi- 
narian to health and strength. Agents de- 
rived from the mineral and vegetable king- 
doms lose their effect and are often vainly 
used in combating disease while the brain is 
excited by the din of a populous city — by 
the agitation and cares consequent upon an 
extended mercantile business — by the men- 
tal toil and responsibility ot professional 
practice, or by the artificial stimuli afforded 
by a life of luxurious indulgence or fashion- 
able dissipation. 

" The sultry heat of summer,'' says the 
admired author of Outre Mer, " always 
brings to the idler and the man of leisure, a 
longing for the leafy shade and green luxu- 
riance of the country. It is pleasant to in- 
terchange the din of the city, the movement 
of the crowd, and the gossip of society, for 
the silence of the hamlet, the quiet seclusion 
of the grove, and the gossip of a woodland 
brook. ?> Sylvan sights and rural sounds, a 
pure and elastic atmosphere, greensward 
beneath the feet, with birds and brooks and 
rustling leaves for music, contribute in a 
wonderful degree to calm a brain that has 
been overtasked, to strengthen a frame sha- 



SCENERY, AIR AND LIGHT. 11 

ken by lingering illness, and tune a heart to 
regular pulsations that has been unstrung 
by sorrow or disease. The enfeebled suffer- 
ers from the nervous derangement and con- 
tinual lassitude produced by care, risk, 
responsibility and over excitement of the 
functions of the brain, in the confined air of 
a counting-room or office, whose only prom- 
enades are streets, the atmosphere of which 
is heated by a scorching sun, and too often 
infected by a thousand sources of impurity, 
and darkened by high walls of brick and 
mortar; can realize the elastic vigor and tone 
imparted to the animal system, and the su- 
perlative, mental and physical enjoyment 
afforded by ari escape from such imprison- 
ment to the pure air and genial sunshine of 
the country. 

While yet you breathe, away ; the rural wilds 
Invite ; the mountains call you, and the vales ; 
The woods, the streams, and each ambrosial breeze 
That fans the ever undulating sky ; 
A kindly sky ! whose fostering power regales 
Man, beast, and all the vegetable reign. 

Exclude fresh air and light from the plant 
and it becomes blanched and sickly, the col- 
oring material no longer circulating through 
its minute and delicate vessels. So it is 
with the inhabitants of cities ; they undergo 
a process very similar to the etiolation of the 
plant, the blood which is borne by appropri- 
ate vessels to every part of their bodies be« 



12 EFFECTS OF LIGHT. 

ing deficient in the material from which it 
derives its bright red color. Expose blood 
to the direct rays of the sun, and the red 
globules, as they are called, which form a 
constituent part of it, are seen by the aid of 
a microscope to be in rapid motion. Some 
physiologists believe that the blood itself, 
which courses with such velocity through 
those tiny hair-like tubes which penetrate 
every region of the human body, is endued 
with a vital power of motion or self-propul- 
sion. It may yet be established that the 
circulation of the fluids by which our bodies 
are sustained and nourished is mainly depen- 
dant upon this effect of .light in exciting 
them to motion. Certain it is that light is a 
life-giving and a life-preserving principle. 

The atmosphere of densely populated 
towns, is highly charged with vegetable and 
animal matter-— fruitful sources of disease. 
The proper facilities for dispersing this by 
currents of fresh air, and decomposing it by 
sunshine, are there wanting,— in the open 
country these pestilential effluvia, are de- 
composed by the overspreading vegetation, 
largely diluted or dissipated by the freshen- 
ing winds, and oxidized by the sun. 

The history of mineral waters is that of 
many of " heavens best gifts to man." Ma- 
ny of the blessings which an all-wise Crea- 
tor has spread around us, designing them for 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 13 

our use and benefit ; we disparage, misapply 
or cast aside as worthless, from ignorance 
of their value and properties. 

Thus it has been with natural medicinal 
waters. At a very early period they were 
considered both a medicinal and hygienic 
remedy, — their history may be traced up 
until it is lost in the Pagan superstitions of 
Greece and Rome. The medicated foun- 
tains of Greece were held in superstitious 
veneration, and each of them regarded as 
the special benefaction of some particular 
deity. To this presiding and tutelar divini- 
ty, a temple of worship was piously erected. 
Esculapius, the God of Medicine, was often- 
er than any other, viewed as the patron to 
whose kindness they were especially indebt- 
ed for their formation. By the Romans 
they were prized even more highly than by 
the Grecians. It is said there is not one 
mineral spring now distinguished for its 
healing qualities in the country possessed by 
these two nations, that is not marked by 
some monuments of their munificence. 

During the earlier periods of Christianity, 
by a singular fatality, an unjust prejudice 
was fostered against mineral waters, and 
they were unnoticed, or regarded as of little 
value. The images and shrines, the nymphs 
and naiads which the Pagans had erected at 
these fountains, were viewed with abhor* 



14 CAUSE OF DECLINE. 

rence by the first christians. The custom 
of promiscuous bathing, too, which prevail- 
ed among the Romans, created disgust in 
the minds of the followers of a purer and 
less sensual faith. 

" The christians, we are informed by 
Bordeu, considered these objects as worldly, 
and, thinking that they appertained to the 
extravagances of Paganism, they deemed it 
wrong to preserve them. Their women 
devoted themselves to their households, giv- 
ing little attention to the cleanliness and 
health of their bodies ; they thought only 
of the welfare of their souls. They found 
too much effeminacy in the children of an 
age which placed so high a value upon 
health. The sick went to bury their infir- 
mities in the religious houses, which were 
then the principal objects of regard. They 
concealed their maladies instead of making 
them public. They mortified themselves by 
repressing their griefs ; even their sufferings 
were dear to them." 

Thus, the dread and disgust with which 
these pioneers of the cross viewed the reli- 
gion and religious rites of the Romans, and 
the miraculous cures which their healing 
deities were alleged to have wrought at 
mineral fountains, in the shade of antique 
forests, and in the hollow of rocks from 
whence they bubbled forth, only produced 



CAUSE OP DECLINE, 15 

in the minds of christian nations, a suspicion 
and doubt as to their efficacy, and led them 
to a disregard of those means which the ex- 
perience of ages had proved to be necessary 
for the health and purity of the body. 
Even Aix la Chapelle, so highly prized by 
the Romans for its thermal sulphurous wa- 
ters, fell into disrepute, such was the fear of 
every relic of Paganism in those days. Aix 
in Provence, Bourbonne les Bains, and other 
mineral waters of a similar kind, no longer 
were resorted to, by the invalid for health 
and amusement. 

Another circumstance exerted a powerful 
influence, and operated to the disadvantage 
of mineral waters in the early and middle 
ages. In this twilight of human reason, 
medicine was not a distinct profession among 
christians, but was practiced by monks and 
ecclesiastics. The monks attracted the sick 
to monasteries, convents and hospitals, 
which they founded, in which they officiated 
both as physicians and priests. Even until 
the fourteenth century there were no men 
of science who devoted themselves exclu- 
sively to the healing art. Grisant was physi- 
cian and Pope; Hugh of Eversham physician 
and Cardinal ; Nicholas de Fernham was 
Bishop of Durham. These ecclesiastical 
physicians, employed moral rather than phy- 
sical means for the restoration of the invalid. 



16 CAUSE OF DECLINE. 

For relief of the sufferers from chronic dis- 
ease, a pilgrimage was prescribed, as uniting 
with bodily exercise, the cultivation of a re- 
ligious spirit. 

Priests and pretenders to deep and myste- 
rious knowledge in these times of sorcery, 
magic, astrology and witchcraft, impressed 
upon the minds of the people, a belief that 
mineral springs were the haunts of fairies, 
witches and sorcerers. The early chemists 
too, converted their discoveries of the se- 
crets of nature into instruments for acting 
upon the excited imaginations of the unlearn- 
ed and superstitious. They affected to un- 
dervalue natural waters in order to lead the 
people to use only their artificial solutions, 
elixirs and quintessences ; — so that these 
healing fountains which the creator of the 
universe designed for the benefit of man, 
became for a time almost deserted. 

Such are some of the causes which have 
conspired to produce a decline of mineral 
waters in popular favor, and divert the at- 
tention of physicians from their employment. 
These still operate in some degree, and to 
the disgrace of an enlightened age and libe- 
ral profession; a powerful therapeutic agent 
has to struggle with prejudices as ancient as 
the religion we profess. From this histori- 
cal sketch, however, may be deduced the 
fact, that before untoward circumstances 



PRESENT CONDITION. 17 

brought mineral waters into disrepute, sul- 
phurous waters were esteemed among the 
most precious resources for the preservation 
of health and cure of disease. 

A new epoch in their history has com- 
menced ; — the present generation begins to 
view them with the highest consideration, 
and to assign them their proper rank among 
medicinal agents. We have no doubt that 
ere long, the present vague and empirical 
mode of prescribing them will give place to 
a system of administration better adapted 
to relieve those intractable diseases to which 
they are applicable. Already are the sul- 
phur springs of Virginia thronged with visi- 
tors. May we not, in the beautiful valley 
of the Genesee, with as great a variety of 
highly impregnated sulphur-waters as can 
be found in any region of the habitable globe 
— combinations which experience has shown 
to be almost unparalleled in medicinal effica- 
cy, hope to receive a due share of public 
attention. 



18 DESCRIPTION OF AVON. 



CHAPTER I. 

DESCRIPTIVE, HISTORICAL & GEOLOGI- 
CAL ACCOUNT OF THE SPRINGS. 

The town of Avon is one of the most 
beautiful, as well as productive in the State 
of New York. It is on the eastern bank of 
the Genesee River, in Livingston county, 
eighteen miles from Rochester, and twenty- 
four miles from Canandaigua. As you en- 
ter it from the east, the Valley of the Gene- 
see is spread out before you in all its rich- 
ness. Immense forest trees with their 
exuberant foliage, fresh and verdant mead- 
ows and waving fields of grain are present- 
ed to your view, forming an almost unsur- 
passed scene of opulence and luxuriance. 
The name of Gen-i-shaw, or Pleasant Val- 
ley, was given it by the aborigines who in- 
habited the country before it was occupied 
by a white population. The village of 
Avon is eligibly situated, about one mile 
from the river, having an elevated position 



MINERAL SPRINGS INDIANS. 1§ 

upon the table land, and commanding a pros- 
pect of the flats, for an extent of many 
miles. The mineral springs are between 
the village and the river, in the valley be- 
low. The axe of the husbandman has not 
yet doomed to destruction all the magnifi- 
cient forest trees in the vicinity ; the invalid 
may therefore here find a cool retreat from 
the summer's sun. 

The mineral springs were long known to 
the Indians, who resorted to them for the 
cure of diseases of the skin. A portion of 
the Seneca tribe inhabited a village on the 
opposite bank of the river, (land which is 
now the property of T. H. Newbold, Esq.) 
which they called Cana-wagus. Captain 
Parish informed me, that this term signified 
lively-water ; and was applied to the settle- 
ment, in consequence of the great number 
of clear and limpid fountains of water in its 
vicinity. " The far-famed chief, Red Jack- 
et,'' as Dr. Francis informs us, # enumerated 
them among his remedial measures for the 
cure of disorders of the skin ; and wasting 
disorders, as they were termed, were sup- 
posed capable of being removed by their use, 
even when applied externally. Doubtless 
this term included many physical infirmities, 
whose pathognomic features greatly differ- 
ed, and many other different sorts of pulmo- 

* United States Medical and Surgical Journal. 



20 MINERAL SPRINGS — INDIANS. 

nary disorganization. I have myself seen 
several cases of pulmonary consumption, 
among the Indians. One whom Ivisited in 
1885, seemed perfectly aware of the inutil- 
ity of remedies in his case ; and, when I 
asked him if he did not use the mineral wa- 
ters, pointing to the purulent sputa, which 
he had preserved, with a melancholy look he 
said, " not now, it is too late." Great num- 
bers of deer wera in the habit of resorting 
to these springs and drinking the water ; this 
made them desirable hunting grounds for 
the aborigines ; and their predilection for 
hunting and fishing, led them to select their 
neighborhood for a residence. The outlet 
of the Conesus, a creek which empties into 
the Genesee River, near the lower spring, 
is a spot distinguished for the abundance of 
excellent fish, which are caught there in 
early spring. Even to this day, we annual- 
ly find some of these sons of the forest, the 
scattered remnants of a once large and pow- 
erful nation, encamped in the remaining 
woodland, and busily engaged in making 
baskets for which they find a ready sale, to 
the inhabitants of the neighboring villages, 
A few of these unfortunate people still 
linger around their ancient homes, visiting 
every summer, those of their woodland 
haunts which the axe and the plough h:ive 
left undisturbed. 



HOTELS. 21 

Many historic legends of this ill-starred 
race are in the possession of my friend and 
neighbor, W. H. C. Hosmer, Esq. whose 
muse has shed a classic halo over the former 
" realm of the Senecas." The place where 
their former habitations stood, is unmarked 
by any traces of their existence. 

H Where browsed the Elk in other days, 
Fat herds in thy my meadows graze~- 
Where the fanged cougar, hating day, 
Crouched by the deer-lick for his prey. 
Heard is the tinkling bell of floeks, 
And Ceres binds her wheaten shocks. 
From waves, once clear as mountain rill, 
Where pike and bass the red man speared, 
And home his bark by torchlight steered, 
The finny tribe have disappeared, 
Scared by the clacking mill " 

Comfortable accommodations, or good 
hotels are very important appendages to a 
watering place. In this respect, Avon is not 
behind other American Spas. Its hotels are 
not, it is true, on the enlarged plan of the 
" United States Hotel, ?? at Saratoga, but 
their rooms are not deficient in size, and are 
suitably furnished — the tables spread with 
as many of the luxuries of the season, and 
the landlords as attentive as can be found 
elsewhere. 

There are three hotels in the immediate 
neighborhood of the springs — Houghton's, 
Knickerbocker Hall and the Pavilion. 

Comstock's " Eagle," and the "Hosmer 



22 HISTORICAL REMARKS. 

House," are at the village, but a short dis- 
tance from them. That modern invention, 
the Omnibus is in constant use by that con- 
siderate host, Comstock, for the conveyance 
of his guests to and from the springs. Car- 
riages are always in readiness for the ac- 
commodation of those who board at the 
village. 

In the year 1792, one of the inhabitants 
used the waters, with perfect success in the 
cure of a disease of the skin, consequent 
upon intermittent fever. In 1795, a case of 
Rheumatism of long standing, which had re- 
sisted the treatment of a number of intelli- 
gent physicians, was speedily and entirely 
cured by their use. It was at this time, 
generally believed by those who were ac- 
quainted with the springs, that any disease 
of the skin, would readily yield to the ex- 
ternal and internal application of the waters. 
Persons afflicted with the itch, were cured 
speedily by bathing two or three times. In 
1821, a small building was erected at the 
lower spring, with a showering box, as it was 
then very properly called. This was the 
first improvement in the condition of these 
springs, made by their former proprietor, 
Mr, Richard Wadsworth. This building 
was enlarged and a bathing-house erected 
in 1823, and some efforts made to supply 
visitors with the accommodations requisite 



HISTORICAL REMARKS. 23 

for the external use of the waters. In 1828, 
the building which now remains at the up- 
per spring was erected. During the last 
fifteen years, five public houses have been 
erected, and accommodations appropriate to 
the wants of visitors, gradually prepared. 
The demand for them is now increasing 
rapidly, and they will probably be enlarged 
and improved in a ratio corresponding with 
this demand. 

In 1835, the new bath spring was discov- 
ered, and a boarding and bathing- house 
erected there. This spring is east of the 
others and nearer the village, and from the 
large impregnation with sulphurated hydro- 
gen has been found very efficacious in some 
diseases of the skin. 

In 1836, the present proprietor, A. Now- 
len, Esq. purchased the land on which are 
two of these springs, called for the purpose 
of distinction, Upper and Lower, and has 
since come in possession of the new Bath 
Spring. With a laudable spirit of enter- 
prise and zeal for the gratification of visiters, 
this gentleman erected at the lower spring, 
a large and commodious bathing establish- 
ment. The large supply of water afforded 
by this spring, ai^d its accommodations are 
such as will, we think, satisfy the most fas- 
tidious. He has selected this spring for im- 
provement, because for general use it merits 



24 HISTORICAL REMARKS. 

a decided preference, and by experience it 
has been shown to be sufficiently active, to 
cure the most obstinate diseases to which 
these waters are applicable. The large 
quantity of water discharged, affords an al- 
most inexhaustible supply for external use. 

The soil in the vicinity of these springs, 
is of the richest and most productive quality, 
yielding the cultivator an abundant reward 
for his labor ; that of the river's bank con- 
sists almost entirely of alluvial deposit, 
while the table land presents all the varie- 
ties of calcareous and argillaceous mould. 
To the botanist, an almost inexhaustible 
field of amusement and instruction, is here 
displayed, in the great variety of plants 
with which this part of the Genesee Valley 
abounds. 

The two springs which have been most 
used, are situate, the one an • hundred and 
the other an hundred and fifty rods from the 
river, in a rich alluvion of black loam, near 
which a considerable stream of water, form- 
ed by the union of two smaller streams, call- 
ed the " Great" and "Little Conesus," 
empties itself into the river. The vallies of 
these united streams are narrow, with steep 
and precipitous banks, a short distance from 
the springs, and present to the geologist, 
bituminous shale, superincumbent upon 
transition limestone. Upon the higher 



GEOLOGY OF THE REGION. 25 

ground, at a distance from the river, buol- 
ders of every variety of size are strewed, 
and vegitable remains have been found from 
fifty to an hundred feet below the surface, 
showing evident indications of diluvial ac- 
tion. The banks of these two streams are, 
in many places, from one to two hundred 
feet in height. The " Great Conesus," is 
from eight to nine miles in length, and takes 
its rise from the Conesus Lake, which is nine 
miles long and from a mile to a mile and a 
half wide. 

The following extract from the Geological 
survey of the State in 1838, will furnish an 
accurate and full account of the geology of 
the Genesee River : 

" From the mouth of the river to Car- 
thage, three miles below Rochester, the red 
sandstone and indurated marl are the only 
rock. The upper stratum of the red sand- 
stone disappears beneath the river at the 
lower falls. Immediately above these rocks 
are the green shales, alternating with which 
are stratas of limestone, and a single stra- 
tum of iron ore. Next in order of super- 
position, are the calcareous shales, alterna- 
ting with this strata of limestone, extending 
to the upper falls, and underlaying the geo- 
diferous and bituminous li r.estone. Th3 
lower layers of the limestone constitute the 
bed of the river at the upper falls. Near 
3 



28 GEOLOGY OF THE REGION. 

the feeder dam. scattered about upon the 
surface, are large angular fragments of the 
rocks in the vicinity. 

Succeeding the limestone are the gyp- 
seous slates and marls, extending as far south 
as Wheatland. A single view of a bed of 
gypsum is given in Wheatland on Allen's 
Creek. 

Upon the gypseous rock's lies the moun- 
tain limestone, commencing at Caledonia 
and near West Mendon, and extending as 
far south as Avon. Fragments of this rock 
are profusely scattered over the surface near 
Caledonia. Next in order succeed the lime- 
stone shales, extending south as far as Mos- 
cow. These shales are characterized by 
the vast quantity and beauty of the fossils 
found in them. 

Jn the west branch of Beard's creek, the 
septaria appear. An extensive section of 
the rocky strata at the entrance of the gorge 
near Mt. Morris dam is given, embracing 
two layers of septaria. A few miles above 
the dam the alternations with the grits or 
thin strata of sandstone, first occur. The 
strata of sandstone are but few feet in thick- 
ness; and the predominance of the shales is 
manifest for a considerable distance up the 
rver. The location of the Gardow slide is 
given, which took place about twelve years 
since. Above the slide the occurrence of 



FALLS AT FORTAGE. 27 

the shale is less frequent, though the pre- 
dominance of sandstone is not apparent be- 
low the lower tails of Portage. 

The fails at Portage are 90 feet in height. 
The river, except in times of high water, is 
confined to the lower narrow channel. Be- 
tween the lower and middle falls the per- 
pendicular elevation of the rocky strata, in 
the highest point, is o51 feet. The middle 
falls which are more generally visited, are 
110 feet in height. The olive sandstone in 
the vicinity of the upper falls, is noted. 
Height of the upper falls 66 feet. 

At Portage, the river enters the gorge, 
from which after passing three successive 
falls, and for most of the distance descend- 
ing with great rapidity, it passes into the 
Genesee Valley near Ml Morris. It will 
be noticed that boulders -are scattered about 
upon the surface with a degree of profusion 
below Mt. Morris. Above this point their 
occurrence is less frequent. 

From Moscow, along the river to Roch- 
ester, very little ever-green timber is found, 
while in going south a small distance, as the 
subsoil is more and more composed of disin- 
tegrated sandstone, the pines and hemlocks 
with their associates are less frequent. 

The scenery of the Genesee River pos- 
sesses much sublimity and grandeur, as well 
as luxuriance. Professor Eaton, the learned* 



28 FALLS AT NUNDA. 

and eloquent Lecturer on the natural scien- 
ces, in a communication for the Genesee 
Farmer, speaks of it in terms of unqualified 
praise and admiration. u Were my business 
concerns in a situation to admit of migra- 
tion, the banks of the Genesee would be my 
home, until the roar of falling waters should 
give to my ears the last of natures echoes." 
The upper falls of this river, at Nunda, 
Alleghany county, which are about thirty 
miles above on the river, are surrounded by 
scenery of almost unsurpassed grandeur. 
They are thus described by Daniel Wads- 
worth, Esq. of Connecticut, in a letter to 
Professor Silliman. " There are three dis« 
tinct falls, included in a distance of three 
miles. They differ as much as possible 
from each other, having their own peculiar 
beauties, and each a different and laborious 
approach, they are respectively sixty, nine- 
ty, and one hundred and ten feet high ; to 
see them all, is now no light undertaking, 
but will soon, I think, be rendered a very 
easy one. The cascades themselves would 
any where else, be objects of great admira- 
tion, and are fully deserving of a particular 
description ; but they are almost forgotten 
in the feelings of wonder and even of fear, 
with which the sublime perpendicular walls 
of the river inspire you. They may truly 
be called walls, for they do not like the 



FALLS LONG POINT. 29 

beautiful rocks at Trenton, recede as they 
approach the top ; but are. for a great dis- 
tance perfectly upright or impending ; and 
almost as regular, for a great part of three 
miles, as a work of art; and rising, as the 
inhabitants around tell you. from two to five 
hundred feet, and so they appear; but pro- 
bably four hundred is not beyond the Iruth, 
To this depth the river seems to have worn 
its ciicuitous passage in the rock, in turns 
almost as short, and bends nearly as grace- 
ful as if winding through the softest mead- 
ows. I never have witnessed, in nature, a 
scene of more savage grandeur and loveli- 
ness than the view from these fearful walls, 
w T hen looking into the gulf from one of their 
highest fronts, to the very edge of which, 
by trusting to the boughs of the thick shrub- 
bery, you can approach without apparent 
danger." 

There is a beautiful and clear lake, called 
the Conesus, about six miles from the springs. 
Three miles from its outlet is a cape of for- 
est land extending far out in the lake, which 
has been for some years past a favorite re- 
sort for parties of pleasure The lovers of 
romantic scenery will pass a day here with 
delight. To use the language of a native 
poet, "the blue hills in the distance, partly 
clothed with the primitive forest — the wa- 
ters kissing the shore with an undertone of 



30 TROUT FISHING. 

melody — the plunge of fish and flap of wa- 
ter-fowl — the pleasant-murmur of the wind- 
swept trees, mingling with the carol of sin- 
less birds, are ministers of repose and pleas- 
ure to a mind that has been w T ounded by the 
"briars of this work-day world." It is a 
bright sequestered spot, and the fabling fan- 
cy of Greece, peopled haunts less picturesque 
with happy spirits — a green retreat where 
the retired poet could wear out life, and 
which the wayfarer passes by wiih reluct- 
ance, through fear that his eye will never 
rest again on sights so beautiful/' 

To the lovers of angling, the disciples of 
Isaac Walton, the stream of Caledonia, sev- 
en miles west of Avon, offers trout in almost 
unequalled profusion. Those who have a 
relish for the sport may find an opportunity 
in this prolific rivulet. 

With the well in.iitaf.--d fly to hook 
Theea^er trout, nud with the slender line 
And yielding- rod solicit to the shore 
The strolling, panting pre v. 

The genuine piscator will find advantage 
in passing the night here, the evening being 
the best time for fishing. Those who prize 
not the glo! y of the angler in returning with 
a basket full of the speckled game, may 
procure a trout supper at one of the hotels 
in the village which the most fastidious epi- 
cure would acknowledge to be a sterling 
luxury. 



SULPHUROUS WATERS. 31 



CHAPTER II. 

CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION OF THE 
SPRINGS. 

The ingredients which a mineral water 
contain, as foreign to pure water, will, in 
every ease, he found to be such as serve to 
explain its curative effects in disease. There 
is no need of resorting to hypothesis or fan* 
cy ; for as is the case with all medical com- 
pounds, the medical character of a mineral 
water must depend on the properties of its 
constituents. All other modes of apprecia- 
ting ihe virtues of mineral w iters, and of 
establishing the proper indications for their 
use, must necessarily be imperfect. It will 
not be denied however, that a successful 
empiricism and a comparison with oiher wa- 
ters, the effects of which are ku«»\vn, and 
which -ire su p posed to he similar, will serve 
to suggest some diseases and sympt< ms of 
disease which may be remedied by their use, 

A different opinion on this subject has ma- 



32 SULPHUROUS WATERS. 

ny and strong advocates. It is believed that 
the medicinal effect of natural mineral wa- 
ters does not bear an exact relation to what 
we know of their constituents, and that in 
this respect they differ from pharmaceutical 
preparations. The use of mineral waters 
is almost exclusively confined to chronic dis- 
eases, to which active purgation is generally 
inapplicable. It is not difficult to show that 
the same general principles apply to them 
as to many medicinal preparations. Take 
mercury for instance, in larger doses, it is 
purgative in its effects. By lessening the 
dose and giving it more frequently, we in- 
crease its alterative, but diminish its purga- 
tive effects. The same general principle 
will apply to our sulphurous waters. But 
they cannot be taken, without inconvenience 
from the quantity of water which holds 
them in solution, in doses proportionate to 
purgative doses of mercury. Prom a half 
of a grain to two grains of mercury would 
be alterative doses, and from ten to thirty 
grains. Thirty half pint glasses or seven 
quarts and one pint of sulphurous water ad- 
ministered within six or twelve hours, could 
hardly be retained by the stomach. 

Again, like mercury, sulphurous waters 
have a local and a general operation, an op- 
eration upon the part to which they are ap- 
plied, and sympathetically, or by absorption 
upon others and distant organs. 



sulphurous waters. 33 

In regard to both, the effect is, in a great- 
er or less degree, that of a stimulant ; for 
we find, that as directed by the mode of ad- 
ministration, or other circumstances, to dif- 
ferent organs, they both alike excite these 
organs to an increased performance of their 
functions. The natural secretions are in- 
creased, which is commonly followed by a 
diminution of inflammatory action. When 
this increase of natural secretion is not pro- 
duced, or but imperfectly effected, — when 
some peculiar state or condition of the sys- 
tem, or of the alimentary <^anal, or any oth- 
er cause, prevents this effect from following 
their use, they are both alike productive of 
injurious consequences. 

Sulphurous waters have been found in 
many parts of the United States — some of 
which possess valuable medicinal properties. 
The appellation sulphurous, has been given 
to those waters which contain sulphur united 
either with hydrogen, or with a salifiable 
base. Sulphur and hydrogen when uncom- 
hined, produce a comparatively slight effect 
on the human system. Sulphur has been 
used as a purgative by physicians, in doses 
of from one to three drachms. Hydrogen, 
although not adapted to the long continued 
support of animal life, may be respired, in 
large quantities, with perfect impunity. 
One hundred cubic inches of sulphureted 



34 CLASSIFICATION. 

hydrogen contain only thirty grains of sul- 
phur. Dupeytren and Theuard, made some 
experiments in order to ascertain its action 
on the animal economy, and found that the 
presence of 1.1500 of it in air, was instantly 
fatal to a small bird ; 1.800 killed a dog, 
and 1/250 a horse. 

r \ ne chemical constitution of sulphurous 
wate s is very various ; but it is believed 
that they all contain sulphureted hydrogen, 
either in free state or in combination. Their 
classification by European writers has been 
wholly founded on the ditlerence in the 
mode of existence of the sulphurous ingre- 
dients. They are geneially divided into 
three orders. The first includes all those 
sulphurous waters which contain free and 
uncombined sulphureted hydrogen, (or hy- 
dro-sulphuric acid, as it is sometimes called,) 
without any excess of sulphur ; that is, no 
more sulphur than is found combined with 
hydrogen in the form of an acid gas, or with 
oxygen, forming sulphuric acid, which is 
one of the constituents of those salts called 
sulphates, with which these waters are often 
impregnated. 

To this order belong most of the sulphur 
springs in this country, which have been 
made the subject of analysis Their effect 
upon the human system finds an explanation 
in the known action of sulphureted hydro 



CLASSIFICATION . 85 



gen on the mucous membranes, aided, as it 
is, by the saline purgatives and diuretics 
which they contain. Their purgative oper- 
ation is probably not increased, and in some 
states of the alimentary canal, is diminished 
by the sulphureted hydrogen. This is 
shown by the fact, that the Avon water, 
when deprived of a portion of its gaseous 
contents by boiling, is commonly rendered a 
more brisk, though a less thorough and effi- 
cient purgative ; and this conclusion is fur- 
ther established by the well attested obser- 
vation in regard to the white sulphur water, 
viz : that although it contains less sulphuret- 
ed hydrogen and a smaller amount of ac- 
tive safine materials than the Avon, yet it 
operates as a purgative much sooner, with 
perhaps, however, a less extended and gen- 
eral influence. The action of the former, 
like that of the neutral saits, is supposed to 
be upon the stomach and small intestines 
more especially, while the large intestines 
and all the mucous membranes receive a 
powerful excitation from the latter, unat- 
tended, sometimes, with an immediate pur- 
gative operation* 

The second order of sulphurous waters 
comprise those in which the sulphureted hy- 
drogen is only found in combination, form- 
ing with bases existing in the waters, what 
are called hydro-sulphurets. These contain 



38 CLASSIFICATION. 

no free hydro-sulphuric acid, (sulphureted 
hydrogen,) and no excess of sulphur. As 
an example of this order, the analysis of 
the waters of Barreges, in the upper Py- 
renees in France, made by M. Longchamps, 
shows that they contain carbonate of soda, 
hydro-sulphuret of soda, sub-carbonates of 
lime and magnesia, si lex, azote, but no free 
sulphureted hydrogen, (see Manual of Ma- 
teria Medica, by Edwards and Vavasseur.) 
European waters of the first order are con- 
sidered doubtful remedies in pulmonary 
cases, and great caution is thought requisite 
in their use ; whereas those of Barreges and 
of the Oriental Pyranees such as Escaldes, 
Vertut, and Aries, belonging to the second 
order, are viewed as peculiarly applicable to 
such cases, and have for a long period, sus- 
tained a high reputation for their cure. 
This fact may be of much practical impor- 
tance, an t should lead to a thorough exami- 
nation of those of the United States, the 
odour of which does not indicate the pre- 
sence of a large quantity of sulphureted 
hydrogen. From a recent analysis by Dr. 
James R. Chilton, the water of a sulphur 
spring at Sharon is found to contain hydro- 
sulphurets ; in consequence of the large 
qu .unity of i'ree sulphureted hydrogen which 
it also contains, it belongs to the first order 
and may not, therefore, be adapted to pul- 



CLASSIFICATION. 37 

monary cases. The Red Sulphur Springs of 
Virginia, contain a sulphurous compound, 
which Mr. Hayes, theii analyst, has not 
named, but they contain four cubic inches of 
sulphureted hydrogen in a wine gallon; they 
are therefore from the first order 

The third order includes those sulphurous^ 
waters which contain an excess of sulphur. 
Whether this substance supersaturates the 
free or the combined sulphureted hydrogen, 
or how it exists in the water, I have never 
seen fully and satisfactorily explained. 
Those called the Clifton Springs, in the town 
of Phelps, Ontario county, N. Y. are pro- 
bably examples of this order ; for the stone, 
leaves and branches of the trees, over which 
they pass, are found incrusted with sulphur 
in a pulverulent form. Immediately after it 
issues from the earth, this water becomes 
chauged and of a yellowish color. At Aix-la- 
Chapelle, the dome of the vault which en- 
closes the spring which supplies the "Em- 
perors'* bath is said to be incrusted with a 
fine pulverulent, sublimated sulphur. This 
is opened at times, and the sulphur brushed 
off, which is sold under the name of " Aix 
Sulphur." The hydrogen, which flies off 
in a gaseous form from this water, is sup- 
posed to be supersaturated with sulphur ; 
and hence the excess of this substance is de- 
posited very soon after it becomes aeriform. 



38 CLASSIFICATION. 

It is certain that the activity of sulphur wa- 
ters as therapeutic agents, cannot be very 
much increased by this excess of sulphur. 
We should rather infer, that were this sub- 
stance acidified by union with hydrogen, (of 
which there appears to be a deficiency.) and 
sulphureted hydrogen formed, their effects 
on the human system would be more potent. 

In order to explain with more clearness 
and precision, the distinctive characteristics 
of the two last orders, Anglada, a French 
writer on the thermal waters of the Oriental 
Py ranees, makes the following illustration : 
4 * Sometimes the union of an atom of hydro- 
gen and an atom of sulphur, forms an acid, 
which susceptible of the gaseous form, can 
be separated from its saline combinations 
without parting with its sulphur ; we then 
have what are called hydro-sulphurets. At 
other times, this compound of an atom of 
sulphur acquires, especially when in combi- 
nation with a base, the property of retaining 
larger proportions of sulphur, so that when 
we destroy these com! inatons by me ans of 
a stronger acid, we separate on the one 
hand, this excess of sulphur in a concrete 
form, which is precipitated, and on the other 
sulphureted hydrogen in a gaseous state." 

From this view of the chemical constitu- 
tion of sulphur waters, it appears that they 
are all mineralized, either by sulphur in com- 



CLASSIFICATION. 39 

bination with hydrogen and a salifiable base, 
constituting what is called a hydro-sui;. hi ret. 
An excess of sulphur may exist, as is sup- 
posed, either in the sulphureted hydrogen, 
or in the hydro-sulphuret, forming a third 
order. 

** 4 The combinations of sulphur, which, 
by their solution in water, give to water the 
character generally admitted to be sulphur- 
ous, are sulphureted hydrogen, or hydro- 
sulphuric acid gas— the hydro-sulphates or 
hydro-sulphurets — and the hydro-sulphated 
sulphurets or hydro-sulphureted hydro-sul- 
phates. Thus, the characteristic distinction 
of those mineral waters called sulphurous, 
is in the solution of the above compounds in 
the water." 

In thus classifying waters which are evi* 
dently sulphurous, the reader will not. it is 
hoped, forget that we are only reviewing the 
most important agent contained in those .sul- 
phurous waters which have enjoyed the 
highest reputation. There is another prom- 
inent distinction among sulphurous wa* 
tors which should not be overlooked. The 
White Sulphur, the Harrowgate, (English,) 
and the springs most frequented at Avon, 
are to be distinguished from other waters of 
the sulphurous class, by the large quantities 
of purgative salts which they contain. 

*Historiquc sur les eaux minerales par J. L. Alibert, Paris. l°26. 



40 LOWER SPRING. 

LOWER SPRING. 

Th s spring* in its original state, formed a 
large pool of perhaps fifty feet in diameter; 
in this the earlv inhabitants were in the hab- 
it of bathing. It was the one first made use 
of, and either from its less disagreeable 
taste or les» nauseating qualities, it has al- 
ways been more resorted to than the rest, 
and has been generally more effective. Dr. 
Francis, who has for many years recom- 
mended these waters, gives a decided pref- 
erence to this spring. It seems to me, how- 
ever, better to use those which appear best 
adapted to the disease which it is proposed 
to treat, and to the age, sex, constitution 
and habits of the patient ; in most cases the 
lower spring is undoubtedly superior, in 
the other springs, the hydro-sulphuric acid 
is too abundant for most persons, and often- 
times occasions a distressing nausea and ver- 
tigo. The water of this spring seldom pro- 
duces any nausea or vertigo. Nor is it com- 
mon for any unpleasant sensation of the 
stomach, to follow its use even in large 
quantities. It rises from a fissure in a rock, 
thirty-six feet below the surface of the 
ground, about one hundred rods from the 
Genesee river, and about thirty rods from 
the Conesus creek. The volume of water 
discharged from this spring, is the same at 



ANALYSIS OF LOWER SPRING. 41 

all seasons of the year, and does not appear 
to depend in the least upon atmospheric in- 
fluence ; as nearly as can be ascertained, 
under existing circumstances, it is fifty-four 
gallons in a minute. The temperature of 
the water is from 45 to 47 degrees Far. Its 
specific gravity is 10.018. Its taste resem- 
bles that of a solution of hydro-sulphuric 
acid, but is more bitter and saline ; it has a 
strong odour of this acid. As it issues from 
the fountain, it is limpid, transparent, and 
somewhat sparkling. Examined by the 
aid of reagents, it contains as foreign to pure 
water, hydro-sulphuric, carbonic and sul- 
phuric acids, chlorine, carbonate of lime, 
lime, magnesia, and soda. By delicate ex- 
periments, the less obvious ingredients of 
mineral waters are not indicated. Dr. 
Francis observes, that an analysis of these 
waters, which he caused to be made in 1842, 
did not afford satisfactory evidence of their 
containing Iodine. Nevertheless, a strong 
probability is that both Iodine and Bromine 
enter their composition. It should also here, 
be mentioned, that an analysis of the hy- 
dro-sulphurous waters of Caldas da Raynha, 
whose chemical constitution is similar to 
that of the Avon waters, was published in 
the London Philosophical Magazine, for 
Sept. 1834, and shows that both Iodine and 
Bromine enter into the composition of those 
4 



42 UPPER SPRING. 

waters. Dr. J. R. Chilton of New York, 
in 1842 discovered Iodide of Sodium in the 
waters of the Sylvan spring. 

Analysis of Lower Spring— In a wine gallon, gaseous contents— 
Sulphated Hydrogen, 10,02 cub. in. Carbonic Acid, 3.92 cub. in. 

Nitrogen, 5.42 do Oxygen, .56 - do. 

Solid Contents- 
Carbonate of Lime, 29.33 grains. Sulphate of Magnesia, 49.61 grains. 
Chloride of Calcium, S.41 do. Sulphate of Soda, 13.73 do. 

Sulphate of Lime, 57.44 do. 

Total, 158.52 da 



UPPER SPRING. 

This spring has been in use since 1827. 
It has been proved by the cures which it has 
effected, to possess similar medicinal quali- 
ties to the lower, and is by some, even more 
highly prized. In sensible properties, it 
bears a close resemblance to it ; but there is 
a peculiar sweetness of taste which distin- 
guishes it. The deposit around it is rnostly 
of a dark blue color, while that of the Lower 
is white. It rises about sixty rods east of 
the other, and is at an elevation considerably 
above it. The bed of sand through which I 
am informed this water oozes, is about 
twenty feet, and the rock about thirty feet 
below the surface of the ground. One gal- 
lon from this spring, according to Professor 
Hadley, of the Institution of Fairfield, Her- 
kermer county, was found to contain the 
following substances, and nearly in the fol- 
lowing proportions, viz : 



NEW IVATH SPRING. 43 

In a wine gallon, gaseous contents — 
Sulphureted hydrogen, 12 cubic inches. 

Carbonic acid, 56 " " 

Solid contents — 

Sulphate of magnesia, 
Sulphate of lime, 
Sulphate of soda, 
Carbonate of lime, 
Muriate of soda, 



10. grains. 


84. 


tc 


10. 


a 


8. 


u 


18.4 


it 


136.4 


grains 



NEW BATH SPRING, 

This spring was discovered in 1835, and 
has been in use since that time. Dr. Lewis 
C. Beck made an analysis of some of the 
water from it in 1838, which has been pub- 
lished in the Geological survey of the State. 
Its depth is about thirty six feet, and the for- 
mation through which the water rises is the 
calciferous slate similar to that found at 
Rochester. The temperature of this spring 
is 50° F. The specific gravity of the wa- 
ter 1.00356. When heated it assumes a 
beautiful green color, the cause of which 
has never as yet been satisfactorily ascer- 
tained. The solution of arsenious acid is 
but slightly altered by it until after the ad- 
dition of an acid ; from which it is inferred 



8.08 


grains. 


3.52 


u 


38.72 


a 


5.G8 


a 


26.98 


- a 


82.96 


grains. 



44 GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 

by Dr. Beck, that a portion of the sulphur- 
eted hydrogen is in a state of combination 
with some basis. 

Analysis by Lewis C. Beck, M. D. in a 
wine gallon, gaseous contents — 
Sulphureted hydrogen, 31.28 cubic inches. 
Solid contents — 

Sulphate of magnesia, 

Sulphate of lime, 

Sulphate of soda, 

Chloride of sodium, 

Carbonate of lime, 

Total, 

The three springs which have been called 
for the purpose of distinction, the Lower, 
Upper, and New Bath, are the property of 
A. Nowlen, Esq. a gentleman who is a resi- 
dent of Avon. Accommodations for bath- 
ing have been in a state of progression to 
meet the gradual increase of the number of 
visitors, since he became their proprietor. 
We have no doubt that the public wants in 
this respect will not only be readily met, but 
anticipated. From his accustomed hospital- 
ity and kind attentions to the strangers who 
visit Avon and form an acquaintance with 
him, we entertain hopes most propitious to 
the future improved condition of these min- 
eral fountains. The water of the Lower 



IODINE SPRING. 45 

Spring having become an objoct of trans- 
portation to different parts of the country, 
the question how this may be most safely 
effected, is of some practical importance* 
These waters are all clear and transparent, 
until their temperature is raised, when they 
are decomposed partially and become turbid 
and milky. The bottles containing them 
should be placed in iced water for some time 
before the corks are drawn. This refriger- 
ation has the effect, by restoring them to 
their original temperature, forty-five degrees 
Fahrenheit, of redissolving their saline in- 
gredients ; and will render them again lim- 
pid. Mr. Nowlen attends all orders for the 
water promptly, and bottles them with much 
nicety and care. 



IODINE OR SYLVAN SPRINGS. 

About two miles south of the lower, there 
are three springs, one of which only has 
been analyzed. They are situate in a cir- 
cular dell, in the midst of the forest. All 
of them are distinguishable from others in 
this vicinity by their saltish taste. The on- 
ly one of these which has been analysed, 
contains a very large proportion of the 
chloride of sodium, and it is probable they 
all have a large impregnation of this salt. 



46 IODINE SPRING, 



One of them is evidently very little sulphur- 
ous, the taste being similar to lhat of the 
Saratoga waters after exposure to the air. 
The other has sensible qualities which lead 
me to infer that it contains a very large 
quantity of the chloride of sodium, and 
therefore Iodine ; for Iodine has only been 
found in those waters which contain this 
salt in abundance. 

Copy of a letter to the late James Wads- 
worth, Esq., of Geneseo, with an analy- 
sis. 

New- York, May 23, 1842. 
James Wadsworth, Esq., 

Dear Sir — I have just completed the 
analysis of the sulphur water of the Syl- 
van Spring at Avon. The result which is 
given below shows that it is a valuable me- 
dicinal water. There is a large proportion 
of sulphur in it, and it contains among other 
important ingredients, Iodine in combination 
with sodium. You will observe that I have 
not stated the quantity of iodide of sodium, 
for to enable me to do so with any degree 
of accuracy, I would require a greater 
quantity of the water, at least two or three 
gallons. If you will send me a sufficient 
quantity, I will at any time ascertain the 
proportion. 



IODINE SPRING. 47 

According to my analysis, one gallon of 
the water contains as follows : 

GRAINS . 

Chloride of Magnesium, 62.400 

Chloride of Sodium, 97.440 

Sulphate of Lime, 80.426 

Sulphate of Magnesia, 12.960 

Carbonate of Lime, 26.800 

Carbonate of Magnesia, 15.974 

Vegetable Matter, .240 
Iodide of Sodium, 



296.24 
Sulphureted Hydrogen, 20.684 
Carbonic Acid,' 4.992 



Cubic Inches, 25.676 
The great attention which has of late 
years been given to the use of the sulphur- 
eted mineral waters of this country by those 
laboring under various obstinate chronic 
complaints, has been attended with the hap- 
piest results. Their internal and external 
use forms a very successful means of treat- 
ing those intractable cases which sometimes 
resist all ordinary treatment. Much of this 
beneficial effect is unquestionably due to the 
sulphur existing in the water in the* form of 
sulphureted hydrogen. The water of the 
Sylvan Spring, at Avon, is highly charged 
with this gas, and contains also a large pro- 



48 IMPORTANCE OF MEDICAL HISTORY. 

portion of important saline ingredients, 
which renders it gently aperient, and emi- 
nently well calculated for the treatment of 
the diseases indicated. Signed 

JAMES R. CHILTON, M. D. ; 
Practical Chemist 



NEGLECT OF MEDICAL HISTORY, 49 



CHAPTER III. 



THE THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES OF THE 
AVON SPRINGS, DEDUCED FROM A 
KNOWLEDGE OF THEIR INGREDIENTS, 
AND FROM EXPERIENCE. 

A beneficent providence has prepared 
many combinations to mitigate the sufferings 
of humanity and remedy the diseases to 
which it is incident ; but ignorance of the 
proper manner of using them, and, too often 
prejudice, which is the natural consequence 
of this ignorance, defeat her purposes. 
When therefore the chemical constituents of 
such waters as are distinguished by their 
sensible properties and medicinal effects 
from others, which from their purity, were 
evidently designed to be used as a common 
beverage ; when the chemical history of 
these medicated fountains is perfectly un- 
derstood, it remains for physicians to inves- 
tigate their application to the cure of diseas- 
es and the best mode ot administering them; 
in short, it becomes their duty to make them- 



50 NEGLECT OF MEDICAL HISTORY. 

selves familiar with their whole medical his- 
tory. Alibert has very truly observed, "la 
science des eaux minerales est a refaire," 
for however advanced their chemical history 
may be, their medical history has not receiv- 
ed the attention which it evidently deserves. 
The chemical constitution of manv of the 
mineral waters of the United States has 
been made the study of distinguished chem- 
ists. The researches of Chilton, Hayes, 
Beck and Chas. T. Jackson, have made us 
familiar with the ingredients of our principle 
mineral fountains ; but, if we except the 
Treatises of Drs. Steel and Allen on the 
Saratoga waters — that of Dr. J. W. Fran- 
cis on those of Avon, and some communica- 
tions of Dr. J J. Moorman, which have ap- 
peared in the Boston Medical and Surgical 
Journal, on the White Sulphur Springs in 
Virginia, very little progress has been made 
in the elucidation of their medicinal proper- 
ties and application to the cure of diseases. 
There is certainly a manifest inconsistency 
in neglecting to acquire a practical knowl- 
edge of the medicinal effects of compounds 
of sulphur, soda, magnesia, iodine, bromine, 
iron, &c. which have been prepared in na- 
ture's labntory, with a chemistry of une- 
qualled subtelty, while we daily prescribe for 
our patients, combinations of the same sub- 
stances, which are mere imitations, and of 



ANALYSIS PRECEDES EXPERIENCE. 51 

much less efficiency. Yet physicians un- 
blushingiy avow themselves unacquainted 
with the modus operandi of our most cele- 
brated mineral waters, who would be very 
unw r illing to acknowledge their ignorance of 
the nature and effects of any other medicin- 
al compound or therapeutic agent in the 
whole range of the materia medica. Dr. 
Granville, in his remarks on the prevailing 
ignorance of English physicians in regard 
to foreign mineral waters relates several ex- 
amples which have occurred in his experi- 
ence. He had advised a patient to resort to 
a very celebrated Spa as the only, likely 
means of strengthening the system and for- 
tifying it against future attacks of a disease 
to wl^ich he had been subject. A practition- 
er in London, of the first respectability, who 
acted in consultation at the time, did not ac- 
tually deride, but seemed to hold very cheap, 
the alleged efficacy of foreign mineral 
springs. Upon being questioned however, 
as to his knowledge of their peculiar proper- 
ties, he candidly confessed his entire ignor- 
ance. 

"To know the composition of a mineral 
water," says Bergman, "is to precede in 
some degree our experience." A medicinal 
compound is presented for our consideration: 
if it be composed of substances, the medi- 
cinal efficacy of which is known and appre- 



52 ANALYSIS PRECEDES EXPERIENCE. 

ciated, a knowledge of the laws of the 
animal economy will serve to instruct us 
what its action on the human system will 
be. In regard to some mineral wa + ers there 
is, it is true, an apparent discrepancy be- 
tween the deductions of experience, and 
those of analysis. This may be accounted 
for however, by considering the rapid chan- 
ges which the science of chemistry has un- 
dergone since the earlier writers published 
the results of their investigations, and the 
difficulties attending the discovery of the 
truth. 

An ir^imate acquaintance with the effects 
of the constituents of any compound, sepa- 
rately considered, is of great importance, 
in order to enable us correctly to appreciate 
the share of influence which each of them 
has in its general effect. Viewing, in this 
manner, the sulphurous-saline waters of 
Avon, we find them distinguished for the 
large quantity of free hydro-sulphuric acid, 
(sulphureted hydrogen) which they contain, 
a compound, as its name implies, of sulphur 
and hydrogen. This acid-gas was discovered 
by Scheele in 1727 ; and being found to be 
a compound of sulphur and hydrogen, re- 
ceived the name of sulphureted hydrogen. 
It being afterwards discovered that it pos- 
sessed the properties of an acid, it received 
the name of hydro-sulphuric acid. Liebeg, 



lribig's views. 53 

in his treatise on Animal Chemistry, has 
suggested an analogy between the effects of 
sulphureted hydrogen and prussic acid.* He 
considers it clearly proved by the remarka- 
ble change of color and of coagulability in 
the blood of animals which have been des- 
troyed by prussic acid, that it acts chemical- 
ly upon this fluid, forming a compound of 
iron which is incapable of absorbing oxygen; 
thus, as he supposes, both of these substan- 
ces produce such a change in the blood- 
corpuscles that they lose the power of ab- 
sorbing and supplying oxygen to the tissues, 
and of transmitting carbonic acid from them. 
Sulphureted hydrogen, the effect of which 
is equally powerful, he supposes to act in a 
similar manner upon the blood-corpuscles. 
As however the science of chemistry, in its 
present state, cannot afford us a perfect 
elucidation of the effects of this agent on 
the animal economy, some other authority 
than that of the " philosopher of Giessen" 
must be invoked. If our observation of the 
modus operandi of medicines were confined 
to the chemical changes which they produce, 
other and equally important alterations of 
structure and of functions would be likely 
to be overlooked or not duly estimated. 

The distinguished physician, John Arm- 
strong, of London, in a treatise which he 
published on " chronic diseases and sulphur- 



54 SULPHURETED HYDROGEN. 

ous waters" in 1818, says, that as far back 
as the year 1807 it was customary for him 
to send patients afflicted with chronic dis- 
eases which resisted the application of all 
ordinary means to Harrowgate, recommend- 
ing them to drink the sulphurous water there. 
For some time he solely attributed the effi- 
cacy of the water to its purgative property, 
together with the peculiarity that its long 
continued exhibition caused no debility. 
But cases of chronic disease fell under his 
observation at various times, in which the 
sulphurous water was decidedly beneficial, 
and that too when the bowels had been but 
scantily moved ; and as the effect in these 
cases could by no means be purely attributed 
to its action on the intestines, he was led to 
inquire whether it might not have some 
other agency which had escaped his obser- 
vation. He came to the conclusion after- 
wards that the chief efficacy of sulphurous 
waters depended on the sulphureted hydrogen 
gas which they contained, and that this gas 
resembled mercury in its operation, having 
an advantage over mercury in not as much 
exhausting the energies of the system. 
From an attentive observation of the opera- 
tion of the different springs at Avon, 1 am 
led to concur with Dr. Armstrong, in attri- 
buting rruch of their efficacy to the sulphur- 
ated hydrogen which they contain, and I 



TRANSPORTATION OF THE WATER. 55 

have also observed a similarity between 
their action and that of calomel. As how- 
ever this resemblance is greatest in the 
Lower Spring, which contains less of this 
gas and a larger impregnation of saline sub- 
stances than the rest, and as the highly 
prized White Sulphur Springs of Virginia, 
have been found by analysis to contain com- 
paratively a small quantity of this gas and 
very similar saline constituents with the 
Lower Spring at Avon, I infer that the 
agency of these salts is scarcely less impor- 
tant than that of this gas in the alterant ef- 
fect of the Harrowgate, Virginia and Avon 
waters. 

On this point there has been some discrep- 
ancy of opinion, and as the question wheth- 
er these waters lose their properties by 
transportation is involved in its decision, it 
has much practical importance. Dr. Moor- 
man views it as " a matter of little or no im- 
portance whether this gas escapes or not, 
as the water," he thinks, "is equally as sal- 
utary without as with it, and does not there- 
by lose its medical virtues ;" another writer 
on the Virginia Springs, Mr. William Burke, 
seems to manifest fears lest it should be used 
by invalids when at a distance from the 
springs, and the good effects lost ; and also 
that it will be successfully imitated by some 
apothecary. 



56 ALKALINE INGREDIENTS, 

Much good may arise from the transpor- 
tation of sulphurous waters, or from the use 
of an artificial imitation of them. The 
water of the Lower Spring at Avon loses 
but little of its gas when transported to a 
distance, if the bottles containing it, have 
been properly corked and sealed at the 
spring. Many cures commenced at the 
springs have been perfected by its use at 
home. 

Again, we find the waters of Avon im- 
pregnated with an alkaline carbonate, the 
carbonate of lime. This substance is alka- 
line and antacid — forming no purgative com- 
binations with the contents of the stomach. 
Hence it is adapted to the relief of that 
kind of diarrhoea which is caused by acidity 
of the first passages. It is also viewed as 
manifesting a peculiar action on the lympha- 
tic system of vessels, producing the resolution 
of glandular and visceral swelling. Its effects 
on the urinary organs are manifested both 
by exciting them to action, in the same man- 
ner as diuretics properly so called, and also 
by changing their secretions. Hence it is 
used in scrofula and in some diseases of the 
bladder. 

Chloride of calcium is, in small doses, 
tonic and deobstruent ; it has been success- 
fully used in typhus fever, ill-conditioned ul- 
cers, and in some diseases of the skin. 



SULPHATES OF MAGNESIA AND SODA. 57 

The sulphates of lime, magnesia and soda 
are other compounds found in these waters. 
The two last are saline aperients or purga- 
tives, according to the dose in which they 
are administered. 

The sulphate of magnesia, epsom salts, is 
an active and efficient purgative. Although 
the quantity of this salt, contained in the 
w T ater used, is comparatively small ; yet its 
effects are so much increased by its large 
dilution with water, and by its combination 
with other neutral salts, as to render it bet- 
ter adapted to chronic diseases, and less lia- 
ble to produce irritation than the large doses 
commonly administered. " It is chiefly on 
account of the small portion of the neutral 
salts dissolved in the Harrowgate sulphur- 
ous water, says Dr. Armstrong, that it ope- 
rates on the bowels ; and even in the pre- 
scription of purgatives for chronic diseases, 
we should do well to imitate nature in this 
particular ; for repeated observation has 
convinced me, that we give far too large 
doses of purgative salts in chronic diseases, 
the effect of which is generally to irritate 
the system first and to exhaust it afterwards." 
The popular use of this salt as a. domestic 
remedy is in doses of from one to two ounces 
dissolved in a part of a teacup of water. 
This quantity generally produces several 
liquid evacuations. These are sometimes 

5 



58 SULPHATES OF MAGNESIA AND SODA. 

so copious as to cause much inconvenience 
to those in good health and to be attended 
with serious consequences to invalids. A 
degree of flatulence is also frequently pro- 
duced which continues for a considerable 
length of time after the operation of the 
medicine. 

Besides, when the immediate effect of the 
medicine administered in this way, has pass- 
ed off, a constipated state of the bowels 
sometimes follows. But physicians have 
found by experience that the distressing ef- 
fects of these full doses may be avoided by 
dissolving a small quantity of the sulphate 
of magnesia in a large quantity of water. 
From one to two drachms of this salt dissolv- 
ed in a pint, or a pint and a half of water, 
or taken at the same time, will produce 
all the purgative operation which is requir- 
ed in most cases, and is not productive of so 
much irritation. 

The " Lower Spring" contains of this salt 
49. 61 grs. in every gallon of the water. — 
The White Sulphur of Virginia, contains 
44. 70 grs. in the same quantity of water. 
Both of these when heated and thus depriv- 
ed, in a measure, of their gaseous contents 
act as aperients and their effects on the hu- 
man system are said, by those who have 
made use of them both for chronic disease, 
to be very similar. Water serves many 



SULPHATES OF MAGNESIA AND SODA. 59 

purposes in the animal economy, some of 
which have been already ascertained. It is 
not only a solvent of the food received into 
the stomach, and thus aids in the process of 
digestion ; but it combines chemically with 
the hydrochloric acid of the gastric juice 
and the soda of the blood and bile, which 
substances it derives from the common salt 
with which our food is so frequently season- 
ed. It cannot appear surprising then that 
the soda, magnesia and lime when combined 
by the hand of nature as these substances 
exist in our mineral waters, and when so 
largely united with this compound of hy- 
drogen and oxygen, should have the ra- 
tio of their action on the human system 
very much increased. 

" The long use of ordinary medicines," 
continues Dr Armstrong, " almost always 
tends to injuie the general powers of the 
system ; but this is not the case with those 
waters which contain the sulphureted hy- 
drogen gas largely, for they have an invig- 
orating influence, even when taken almost 
daily for weeks together." # # •' Nor need 
we fear, with the exception of complaints of 
the chest, to purge patients freely every 
day with the Harrowgate water ; for under 
this system of depletion, they generally 
gain flesh and strength, particularly in gas* 
trie, hepatic, and intestinal affections." 



60 IMMEDIATE EFFECTS OF MEDICINES. 

Even when the Avon waters purge pa- 
tients daily, I have found that the appetite 
is very much increased and the digestive or- 
gans stimulated to a more perfect discharge 
of their functions. Nature, in her prepara- 
tion of compounds for chronic disease, ap- 
pears to form only such a*s, when judicious- 
ly used, increase the secretions, without pro- 
ducing irritation, or greatly accelerating the 
peristaltic motion of the intestines. 

Most observers have united in the belief 
that the peculiar effect of sulphurous waters 
is an increased action of the secretory or- 
gans ; but some difference of opinion exists 
as to their immediate or primitive effect or 
that which is precedent to increased secre- 
tion. The use of the terms stimulant and 
sedative, with an indefinite meaning attached 
to them, has perhaps been a chief cause of 
this. All agents possessed of the power of 
affecting the human system have both a 
stimulant and sedative effect upon it, ac- 
according to the quantity or the mode m 
which they are administered, and the con- 
dition of the human body at the time 
w T hen they are used. A small quanti- 
ty of a medicinal substance will produce a 
stimulant effect, when a larger or excessive 
dose will act as a sedative. This fact is one 
of common observation. Alcohol and al- 
coholic liquids possess a high degree of stim- 



IMMEDIATE EFFECTS OF MEDICINES. 61 

ulant power in proportion to their sedative, 
which only appears when they are used in 
excess. For this reason physicians have 
been in the habit of calling them stimulants, 
and when they speak of any agent as being 
a stimulant, or a sedative, they mean, the 
proportion which these two opposite effects, 
that may be produced by the agent, bear to 
each other. Medicines present an almost 
infinite variety in this respect. This variety 
is so great, and the state of our knowledge 
of their precise operation under all the vari- 
ed circumstances attending their adminis- 
tration, so imperfect, as to prevent hitherto 
any established classification of them found- 
ed on this difference of action ; physicians 
have therefore merely distinguished medi- 
cines according as they are found to be best 
suited to act upon particular parts or organs 
of the human body. They have, agreeably 
to this distinction, called them purgatives, 
expectorants, diaphoretics, diuretics, &c. &c. 
It appears to me highly important that defi- 
nite views be entertained of the immediate 
effects of medicines, and there is, as has 
been before remarked, some discrepancy of 
opinions in regard to the immediate effects 
of sulphurous waters. We find in the trea- 
tise on mineral waters of William Saunders, 
London, 1805, page 411, second edition, the 
sensible effects of the Harrowgate w 7 aters 



62 EFFECTS OF SULPHUROUS WATERS. 

are described as " headache or giddiness on 
being first drank ; and as it should appear, 
more frequently than follows a full draught 
of the simpler waters. The water of Aix- 
la-Chappelle is described in the same work 
as producing u some degree of cheerfulness 
and gaiety of spirits, but, if taken largely, 
it slightly affects the head with some degree 
of vertigo and sleepiness. It sometimes ex- 
cites nausea/' &c, page 432. 

Bordeu considered the waters of Bareges 
as "producing a marked excitation of the 
whole organization and determining in a spe- 
cial manner critical movements from the 
centre to ihe circumference. He viewed 
them as 'stomachics, as stimulant of the 
digestive functions, increasing the appetite 
and rendering nutrition more perfect." An- 
other writer on the Bareges waters, Mons. 
Gasc, informs us that when using them "la 
bouche est pateuse et fade, et Tappetit sen- 
siblementdiminue les premiers jours." Oth- 
ers view all mineral waters as stimulants 
and adduce for proof the former celebrity 
of those of Bath in England, which are re- 
markable for their purity and freedom from 
mineral impregnation. Water is an article 
of diet and the common experience of man- 
kind teaches them that when free from a 
distinguishing proportion of mineral and me- 
dicinal ingredients, it is not under ordinary 



EFFECTS CATHARTIC OPERATION. 63 

circumstances, a stimulant. We have only 
then, amidst the prevailing discrepancy of 
opinions on this point, to refer to the miner- 
al ingredients, which the different springs at 
Avon are known to contain as foreign to 
pure water, for an explanation of its cura- 
tive effects in disease.* 

The primitive action of Avon water is fol- 
lowed by certain secondary effects, which 
are, a perceptible increase of the secretions 
from the alimentary canal, the augmenta- 
tion of the cutaneous and pulmonary respi- 
ration, and the secretion of urine; in other 
words, they become cathartic, diaphoretic, 
expectorant, and diuretic. 

In regard to the cathartic operation of this 
water, we find some upon whose digestive 
organs it acts promptly and effectually; oth- 
ers again, upon whom the largest doses pro- 
duce not the slightest effect. In some cases, 
the water acts readily at first; and, in a 
short time, perhaps after the first week, 
seems rather to produce constipation. This 
disparity of action we conceive to be ow- 
ing to some peculiar state or condition of 
some of the different parts or organs of the 
body of the individual using the water, 
which renders them more or less suscepti- 
ble to its influence; what this state or con- 
dition is, in the present imperfect state of 

* The sulphureted hydrogen must, of course, make them stimu- 
lant. 



64 CATHARTIC EFFECTS. 

our knowledge of hydro-sulphurous waters, 
it is impossible to determine ! A long course 
of observations and numerous cases are re- 
quisite to decide with any degree of exact- 
ness. In some cases which I have seen, the 
stimulant effect has Been perceptible upon 
the skin solely; and it would appear proba- 
ble, that the excretions from the cutaneous 
surface were so abundant as to deprive the 
system of all the products of intestinal ac- 
tion. Generally, four or six half-pint glass- 
es, drank during twenty four hours, produce 
a mild cathartic effect; and under its long 
continued use to this extent, no debility en- 
sues, but, on the contrary, the appetite and 
strength are very much increased. 

As it is to chronic diseases that these wa- 
ters are particularly applicable, any thing 
more than a daily and healthy movement of 
the bowels is usually not desired. We ought 
not in these cases ordinarily to seek for any 
considerable increase of the natural evacua- 
tions. It is certain that when these waters 
purge very actively, their alterative effects 
are commonly less than where their action 
upon the bowels is more subdued. As how- 
ever in some cases it is found that they do 
not produce sufficient cathartic effect, it fre- 
quently becomes necessary, to accompany 
their use with other purgatives. The mode 
which has succeeded best in my practice has 



ACTION ON THE SKIN. 65 

been, to administer according to the circum- 
stances of different cases, either the com- 
pound rhubarb or aloetic pills, or the blue 
pill at bed-time, to be followed by a half- 
pint bottle of the heated water, before break- 
fast the next morning. 

It is however, for its action upon the skin 
particularly, that this water is conspicuous, 
-This increased activity which the functions 
of the skin receive, is manifested bv an itch- 
ing sensation, or, as it has been described, a 
feeling similar to that of the stinging of 
small insects; and there is often a florid col- 
or of the body, showing the high degree of 
capillary excitement produced. There is 
also, in most cases, a sensible increase of 
perspiration; and frequently, even gentle 
exercise produces profuse sweating. The 
oily, unctuous feeling of the surface of the 
body, on leaving the bath, also shows the 
capacity of this mineral water to cleanse 
the skin: the alkaline carbonate, which is 
one of its component parts, forming a spe- 
cies of soap with the oily matter collected 
upon the epidermis. 

But it is to chronic inflammation of the 
skin whether effusive, suppurative, deposi- 
tee or, squamous that the Avon water is 
particularly applicable. In many of these 
diseases successive crops of eruption appear 
and disappear, passing through separate 



65 ACTION ON THE SKIN. 

stages of inflammation, followed either bv 
effusion, suppuration, deposition or desqua- 
mation. Any agent or alterative which re- 
stores the skin to a healthv condition must 
do so, by increasing its power of discharg- 
ing its functions of exhalation or elimination, 
and of absorption. Now this cutaneous 
envelope of the body is continuous with the 
mucous membranes which line the nose and 
mouth, and the respiratory organs, as w r ell 
as those organs which serve for the diges- 
tion of solid and liquid alimentary substan- 
ces. Hence the reason why a disordered 
condition of the skin may produce a corres- 
ponding derangement of the lungs or diges- 
tive organs, and. conversely, a deranged 
state of the lungs or digestive organs may 
produce a disease of the skin. An increas- 
ed secretion from the mucous membranes 
being the usual effect of the waters, a simi- 
lar effect will ordinarily be transmitted to 
the skin. 

" As a striking example of their alterative 
influence on the cutaneous surface," says 
Dr. Francis,^ "I mav mention the case of 
an individual, now in the twenty second 
year of his age, incommoded by congenital 
icthyosis; and whom I recommended to re- 
pair to these springs last season. The free 
use of these waters, internally and by bath- 

* Avon Mineral Waters, New York, 1833. 



DIURETIC AND EXPECTORANT ACTION. 67 

ing, for some ten weeks, so effectually re- 
moved this morbid alteration of the skin, as 
in divers parts to leave no trace of the pre- 
vious existence of disfiguration." 

Other instances, equally remarkable, might 
annually be adduced, illustrative of the 
diaphoretic effects of this water. Cures of 
the most obstinate herpetic, psorous, and lep- 
rous eruptions, are very numerous; and are 
matters of astonishment to those unacquaint- 
ed with the powers of this medicine. 

This water possesses, also, a peculiar pro- 
perty of stimulating the urinary organs. — 
This property is manifested, not only by the 
discharge of urine being more copious, but 
also by the changes produced in the quality 
of the urine. Some hours after its use, 
either internally or externally, the urine 
commonly becomes more highly colored, de- 
positing a sediment, or is much increased in 
quantity. 

I have stated that this water is an expec- 
torant ; and this property, from experience 
in very many cases, I accord to it most ful- 
ly. It is not merely by a sympathetic ef- 
fect, that the pulmonary organs are affected 
by it; but the simple respiration, in an at- 
mosphere so highly charged with hydro-sul- 
phuric acid gas as that around the spring, 
must have an immediate action upon the 
mucous membrane. In restoring the nor- 



68 TONIC EFFECTS. 

mal secretion from the skin and bladder, 
there can be no doubt but the pulmonary 
functions are benefitted ! And this action is 
direct; for, by a revulsion or counter exci- 
tation, we remove any local determination 
which may give rise to pulmonary irritation, 
and thus the lungs are invigorated and ena- 
bled to expectorate any offensive matter. — 
In the administration of this remedy in cases 
of pulmonary disease, the utmost caution is 
requisite; as it will be readily perceived, 
that the misapplication of a medicine en- 
dowed with such a power of excitation, can- 
not but be attended with the most faial con- 
sequences. 

Many of those who use this water, expe- 
rience an almost immediate increase of ap- 
petite and apparently receive an increas- 
ed energy of the stomach; yet others are 
affected in a very different manner, and 
a diminution of appetite, nausea, and other 
symptoms indicating an action of an oppo- 
site nature follow its use. Its tonic proper- 
ties cannot then be considered as absolute) 
but relative to the circumstances of the indi- 
vidual making use of them, or to the state 
and condition of the different organs or parts 
of his body. An individual affected with 
intermittent fever may check its progress 
by the use of some particular tonic: the 
same medicine administered to one afflicted 



TONIC EFFECTS. 69 

with a chronic bronchial disease may facili- 
tate expectoration, and to another the sur- 
face of whose body is covered with an ob- 
stinate cutaneous eruption it proves an ef- 
fectual cure. These are, however, to be con- 
sidered as the secondary effects of this ton- 
ic medication, which only take place under 
certain conditions, and which may, and of- 
ten do, succeed the use of medicines entire- 
ly different from tonics. 

" Among the medicinal attributes of our 
medicinal waters," says Anglada in his trea- 
ties on the mineral waters of the oriental 
Pyrenees, " which should serve as a guide 
in their employment, we may consider also 
their tonic action: they strengthen very 
sensibly different organs, and impress upon 
them more strength, not, really by a direct 
action as tonics properly so called, but in the 
same manner as excitants, as a preparatory 
condition, facilitating the vital process of the 
re-establishment of the vigour of parts. It 
is here that the distinction of forces into 
radical and active, or forces of power and 
forces of action, so w T ell established by Bar- 
thez and so important in medicine, should 
be called to our aid. For example, these 
waters readily excite to new action the di- 
gestive, and thus exhibit themselves deci- 
dedly stomachic. Under their influence the 
appetite acquires a remarkable activity : we 



?0 TONIC EFFECTS. 

must bo cautious in satisfying it ; for here 
we shall find an apparent incongruity, the 
disgestion will be badly performed if the 
stomach has to act on too large a quantity 
of food." This view of the operation of 
sulphurous waters is in accordance with my 
experience of the effects of the Avon wa- 
ters. The tone which they give to the stom- 
ach appears to me to be the result of the in- 
creased secretion of the fluids connected 
with the digestive process which they pro- 
duce. This effect is sometimes produced 
by them in such a degree as to be attended 
with unpleasant consequences. I have 
known several cases of profuse salivation 
accompanied with diarrhea, to such an ex- 
tent as to enfeeble and reduce the patient 
very much. Increased secretion from in- 
creased action is the true modus operandi of 
these waters : it is in this way that they be- 
come cathartic, diuretic, diaphoretic, expec- 
torant, emmenagogues and alterative, and 
their tonic effect is not an immediate increase 
of power, but a secondary influence, — an in- 
vigoration which results from the restora- 
tion of healthy secretions. 



MEDICINAL APPLICABILITY. 71 



CHAPTER IV, 



MEDICINAL APPLICABILITY TO PARTIC- 
ULAR DISEASES. 

The indications which call for the use of 
the Avon waters are first, where there is a 
torpid state of certain organs or tissues, to 
excite them to increased action. Thus, in 
chronic disease of the liver, after the vascu- 
lar excitement has been reduced to a certain 
level, a restoration of the secretions of this 
organ and a removal of all obstructions 
which may exist, is usually attempted by 
physicians. The judicious exhibition of 
meicury often effects this desired object, but 
its long continued use frequently enfeebles 
the system, and it sometimes fails even where 
circumstances are apparently the most fa- 
vorable. " Although," says Dr. Armstrong, 
" the efficacy of mercury is so notorious in 
chronic affections of the liver, yet upon the 
whole I am disposed to think, that it is infe- 
rior to that of the sulphureted hydrogen 



72 RHEUMATISM. 

gas." The second indication in chronic dis- 
eases is not only to excite the. functions of 
diseased parts, but to correct the various 
derangements of their functions in such a 
manner as to restore them to a healthy state, 
and even to effect a favorable change of their 
structure. Both of these indications are ful- 
filled by a course of these waters in the fol- 
lowing diseases; viz : Rheumatism, some dis- 
eases of the skin, and of the urinary pas- 
sages ; in what are called stomachic. 

Rheumatism. — This water has, from the 
earliest period at which it was know 7 n, been 
used freely in cases of rheumatism. Per- 
haps there is no disease in which it is more 
generally useful. Nevertheless, there have 
been some instances in which it has failed of 
success, and others in which the cure has 
been very gradual. In such, we should in- 
quire if the disease be not neuralgic in its 
character, or if there is not some other dis- 
ease existing, with which the rheumatism is 
complicated, which operates as a continual 
cause, and w 7 hich is aggravated by the use 
of the water. 

The good effect of the Avon water seems 
to be in some measure dependant upon its 
action on the capillary vessels : if free and 
healthy perspiration be produced and sus- 
tained, the resolution of the disease speedily 
follows. As a condition of its successful 



I 



RHEUMATISM. 73 

application, the disease should have lost its 
inflammatory character; and when this is not 
perfectly the case, resort should be had to 
vene-section, previous to the use of the wa- 
ter. As acute rheumatism is a disease in 
which both the sanguiferous and nervous 
systems are deeply implicated, it is impor- 
tant that the effects of this remedy be cau- 
tiously watched. The cures of persons af- 
flicted with this painful disease have been an- 
nually numerous ; and it is my opinion that 
seven-eights of the cases in which this rem- 
edy has been made use of, have been either 
relieved or cured. At some future period 
it may be in my power to present the pub- 
lic with an accurate report of the whole 
number of cases, during several seasons. 

In a report made by M. Merat, to the 
Academy of Medicine, on the mineral wa- 
ters of France, it is computed that from the 
year 1834 to 1836, there were thirty thou- 
sand persons afflicted with rheumatism, who 
resorted to the use of the mineral waters of 
France, the most of which are sulphurous ; 
in the great majority of cases with decided 
benefit. 

It is however, a remedy which is wholly 
inadmissible in the early stages of acute-ar- 
ticular rheumatism. By increasing the activi- 
ty of the cutaneous and urinary secretions and 
having an alterative influence on those of 
6 



74 DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 

the mucous membranes, the Avon waters 
effect the speedy resolution of arthritic swel- 
lings, and, by their use, joints which have 
been for a long time stiffened or anchylosed, 
are restored to their original form and mo- 
tion. But it is only in cases of acute rheu- 
matism which have passed to a chronic state, 
or in chronic rheumatism, that sulphurous 
waters are indicated. On this subject An- 
glada remarks, " if our waters," (that is, the 
thermal sulphurous waters of France,) " pro- 
duce less beneficial effect in rheumatic gout 
or articular rheumatism, than in common 
rheumatism, it is evidently attributable to 
the character of the complication which dis- 
tinguishes it. It is only where it is found 
to have passed its acute stage and when all 
fluxionary activity has disappeared that we 
can promise ourselves any good effect from 
this mode of treatment." Proper regula- 
tion of the diet and exercise of rheumatic 
patients, as well as the bathing is absolutely 
indispensable. 

Diseases of the skin. — In the treatment of 
the various diseases to which this tissue is 
subject, the Avon water may be very suc- 
cessfully used. Those cases which are the 
most recent, are most susceptible to its in- 
fluence. In the acute stage of some eruptions 
of the skin, its exciting qualities tend to 
aggravate the evil ; and it would be better, 



DISEASES OF THE 8KIN, 75 

previous to its use, to have recourse to such 
remedies as will lessen the excitability of 
the system. To illustrate this, I will relate 
a case which was under my care in 1834. 

J. A., aged 24 years, of a sanguine tem- 
perament, had been well until six weeks be- 
fore his arrival here, when a diffuse psorous 
eruption made its appearance upon his arms, 
and extending itself gradually to his neck 
and shoulders. The itching and smarting 
were very distressing, so much so as to de- 
prive him of sleep, and threaten to injure his 
health. The use of the water produced a 
considerable aggravation of his sufferings 
and extension of the eruption, when he call- 
ed upon me for medical advice. Vene-sec- 
tion to the extent of twelve ounces, mild 
purgatives and diaphoretics, allayed the in- 
tensity of the cutaneous irritation, and he 
had recourse to the waters under more fa- 
vorable auspices, which entirely cured him 
in three weeks. 

It not unfrequently becomes necessary, 
during a course of these waters, to suspend 
their use for a few days, and resort to emol- 
lient applications and demulcent drinks ; the 
eruption becoming very much exasperated, 
and a temporary return of the irritative 
stage taking place. This may be accounted 
for, by supposing that the latent internal 
cause has never been fully removed, although 



76 DISEASES OF THE SKIN, 

the eruption has disappeared; and that some 
change, unfavorable to the operation of the 
water, has taken place in this cause. 

R. A., aged 31 years, resorted to the 
Avon Springs for the cure of impetigo figu- 
rata of the hands and wrists of two years 
standing. This disease had succeeded to a 
bilious fever which had been attended, thro 1 
its whole course, with acute pain and ten- 
derness of the right hepatic region. The 
use of the water for three weeks, removed 
entirely every vestige of the disease, and 
he was about returning home. The day 
before his anticipated return, he drank 
twelve glasses of the water, which was 
nearly double the average daily quantity he 
had used. During the night he was seized 
with a return of pain in the side, and in the 
morning found the eruption had returned. — 
A six- weeks course of the water again cured 
him. 

It has been frequent subject of remark at 
these springs, that the good effects produced 
by the waters, are not always apparent un- 
til after their discontinuance. It is not un- 
common to see diseases of the skin apparent- 
ly resist the operation of the remedy, dur- 
ing the continuance of the treatment, but 
yield a short time afterwards in consequence 
of its curative effect being prolonged. Ma- 
ny cases have ^occurred, which would estab- 
lish this truth beyond a doubt. 



w 



DISEASES OF THE URINARY PASSAGES. Y7 

A physician from Manchester, Ontario 
County, who was afflicted with leprosy to 
such a degree as to be an object of disgust to 
his patients, abandoned his piofession, and 
was entirely cured by the use of the waters 
in one year. 

Diseases of the Urinary Passages. — The 
curative or palliative effect of our alcaline- 
sulphurous waters, in the treatment of dis- 
eases of the urinary organs, may be readily 
understood, by a reference to their diuretic 
properties and their chemical composition. 
Among the number of diseases of this na- 
ture, in which they are manifestly useful, 
are, chronic catarrh of the bladder ; chron- 
ic inflammation of the urinary organs, wheth- 
er the discharge bo muco-purulent or puru- 
lent; the lithic diathesis, or the disposition of 
the urinary organs to the formation of cal- 
culi, in common language, the gravel. In 
these cases, however, the greatest caution 
is requisite in the administration of this rem- 
edy, it should not be employed to the ex- 
tent of producing active inflammatory reac- 
tion ; it should never be made use of, until 
these inflammations have passed to a chronic 
state ; and it is almost always necessary, 
during the treatment, to resort to antiphlo- 
gistic remedies, and opiates occasionally, in 
order to moderate the excitement produced 
by the stimulating properties of the water. 



?8 DISEASES OP THE URINARY PASSAGES, 

I have never, as yet, advised them in cases 
of chronic catarrh of the bladder and gleet, 
except in union with some mucilage ; though 
I have known a number of cases where, un- 
aided, they have effected a cure. In two 
instances, the cures were rapid and com- 
plete. 

Bordeu advances the opinion, that the 
waters of Barreges, which are alkaline-sul- 
phurous, dissolve urinary calculi by a chem- 
ical action. Home and Mascagni have ob- 
served the efficacy of the alkaline bicarbo- 
nates, in cases of gravel ; and their opin- 
ions rather favor the theory of the chemi- 
cal action of the alkaline carbonates of hy- 
dro-sulphurous waters There is, however, 
no necessity for resorting to any speculation 
of this nature, since their known efficacy in 
producing and facilitating healthy urinary 
secretions, either by removing from the uri- 
nary system the irritative causes of disease, 
or by correcting the morbid disposition of 
that system, is sufficient to account for aH 
the phenomena which follow their use. — 
The alkaline carbonates have frequently 
quieted, in a few hours, the most severe ne- 
phritic pains ;* a longer time would seem 
to be required, for the chemical decomposi- 
tion of calculi. 

* Prout Treatise on Grarel, &c, p. 195. 



DISEASES OF "THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 79 

Diseases of the digestive organs. — In the 
various and complicated disorders of the 
primce viae,unattended with inflammatory ac- 
tion, the Avon water has proved to be emi- 
nently useful. Of these, chronic affections 
of the stomach are the most common, in 
consequence of the nature of its functions, 
and its sympathies with other organs. The 
diseases of this part, are readily communi- 
cated to other parts of the system, and it 
feels sensibly the diseases of all the rest. — 
In obstinate dyspepsia attending a debilita- 
ted or depraved state of the digestive func- 
tions, acidity, flatulence, and heartburn ; in 
that which succeeds to acute diseases, and is 
accompanied by jaundice, frequent vomiting 
of mucus, pain in the right side or the re- 
gion of the stomach, this remedy may be 
so administered as often to afford prompt and 
effectual relief. The remarks of Dr. Fran- 
cis coincide with my own experience. 

"Clinical observation has enabled us to 
affirm, that few disorders of a constitution- 
al origin are more perplexing in their diag- 
nostic character than the maladies arising 
from long persistence in errors of diet ; from 
this, among other sources, the digestive func- 
tions become enfeebled or broken up, and 
the irritations of impaired digestion, associ- 
ated with the undue secretion of uric acid 
in various forms, lead to the production of 



80 DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS- 

gout, gravel, and other formidable and ago- 
nizing derangements of the kidney and urin- 
ary functions. 

" In cases of this sort, Dr. McLean and 
others of enlarged experience have testified 
to the eminent usefulness of the Saratoga 
waters ; and I believe it will be found that 
those of Avon possess merits of a similar 
quality, if not of a higher degree. It be- 
hoves us, however, previously to relieve the 
system, by unlocking the several emuncto- 
ries, to abate inordinate action, and regulate 
the habits of the sufferer ; for even of wa- 
ters so comparatively feeble as the Bath 
waters, England, it is said by Dr. Parry, 
that they are in no form whatever benefi- 
cial, during the paroxysm of gout, or in any 
inflammatory disposition, which may exist in 
the interval. 

" After the preliminary management of 
the case by depletory means, and appropri- 
ate alvine aperients, the use of the water of 
Avon for a few days, or perhaps weeks, has 
wrought an alteration of the most gratify- 
ing character, evinced by improved appe- 
tite, increase of flesh, and invigorated health; 
and while the body receives the impress and 
partakes of all the advantages of increased 
physical energy, a corresponding improve- 
ment marks the capacity of the intellectual 
powers." 



SCROFULA. 81 

Scrofula. — This disease, which in our cli- 
mate, is so frequently the consequence of 
atmospheric changes, vicissitudes, or im- 
proper diet and medical treatment in infan- 
cy or during dentition, is very frequently 
dependant upon, or complicated with irrita- 
tion of the stomach and bowels. The ef- 
fect of the waters in the restoration of 
healthy action to the digestive organs, ren- 
ders them powerful therapeutic agents in this 
distressing, and often destructive malady. — 
But other and perhaps more frequent causes 
of scrofula areexanthematous eruptions such 
as measles, scarlatina, &c, and hooping 
cough. Dr. John Mackintosh in his princi- 
ples of Pathology remarks that he request- 
ed his friend Dr. Robertson, Surgeon to the 
Eye Dispensary of Edinburgh, to preserve 
a list of all the diseases of the eye usually 
denominated scrofulous, as well as those ac- 
companied by glandular and cutaneous af- 
fections, la order to ascertain how many 
were attributed by the parties themselves or 
their parents, to the exanthemata and hoop- 
ing cough. He was informed, after twelve 
months investigation, that almost all the ca- 
ses were attributed by the parties themselves 
or their friends to those diseases. Now 
nothing can be better adapted to remove se- 
condary effects of these diseases than sul- 
phurous waters, both from their action on 



82 DISEASES OP THE CHEST. 

the mucous membranes and on the skin. — 
During twelve years I have witnessed 
the amendment produced in some ve- 
ry severe cases by the use of those of Avon, 
and many young persons with whom I am 
now acquainted have been perfectly cured. 
Bordeu has extolled sulphurous waters in 
chronic diseases of the chest, but the indi- 
cation which calls for the employment of 
this remedy, must be very manifest, and its 
application seasonable, or it will aggravate 
the evil which it is designed to cure. The 
stimulation produced by the Avon waters, 
so far as my experience extends, is attend- 
ed with fatal effects, in the advanced stage 
of tubercular phthisis ; and speedy dissolu- 
tion has, in several instances, followed its 
misapplication. Its action, however, in pro- 
moting a healthy secretion of mucous mem- 
branes, renders it beneficial in certain 
chronic pulmonary affections succeeding 
pleurisy or acute pneumonia ; in asthenic 
pulmonary catarrhs ; in mucous phthisis, 
even when these diseases are accompanied by 
marasmus, hectic fever, night sweats, and 
all the characteristics of consumption. " In 
the incipient and active stage of pulmonary 
irritation/' says Dr. Francis, "It becomes 
our duty to precede their employment by 
venesection, and the other customary means 
of depletion, analagous to the practice we 



ASTHMA. 



83 



have recourse to with the Ballston or Con- 
gress waters. The same observation ap- 
plies to hemoptysis, to acute disorders of 
the digestive organs, liver, and other vis- 
cera. The direful consequences which inev- 
itably occur in such cases from the Sara- 
toga waters, when these cautions are not 
heeded, are too painfully known to be 
dwelt upon in this place.' 7 

Some remarkable cures of asthma have 
been effected by the use of these waters — 
one, which occurred in 1834, I have ex- 
tracted from my notes : 

M. C, a young lady, 19 years of age, of 
spare habits, had been subject to paroxysms 
of asthma for seven years. The duration 
of the fits was generally about twelve 
hours. Cough distressing, but expectora- 
tion scanty ; and the paroxysms were caus- 
ed, her physician thought, by an irregularity 
of the menstrual function. She came to 
the Springs with her sister, who was an in- 
valid, and without any hope of receiving 
benefit herself from the water. Was per- 
suaded to drink four half-pint glasses of the 
water daily, and to bathe at 92° F. twice 
each week. Following this course, she re; 
mained eight weeks ; and the day before 
she left, had one of the most severe fits. 
From this time there was no return of the 
disease for three years, and then but very 



81 DISEASES OF FEMALES. 

slight. I saw her but a short time since, 
when she expressed her conviction to me 
that she had entirely recovered. 

The effect of the water, in this case, ap- 
pears to have been an increased severity of 
the paroxysms ; and it was not until its use 
was discontinued, that its alterative influ- 
ence upon the mucous membrane of the air 
passages was perceptible. The action of 
the warm bath too probably aided in pre- 
venting the continuance of the spasms. 

Diseases of Females. — The indirectly to- 
nic properties of Avon water render it a va- 
luable medicine in many forms of menstrual 
derangement : and these properties, result- 
ing from its general action upon the organs 
of secretion, it may commonly be adminis- 
tered without any apprehension of danger. 
The nature of this remedy, however, re- 
quires that, previous to commencing its use, 
in almost every case, a depletion, adapted 
to circumstances, should be adopted. It has 
been much used, and with benefit, in chlo- 
rosis, leucorrhea, amenorrhea, and diffi- 
cult and painful menstruation. The efficacy 
of bathing (universally acknowledged) in 
disorders of the menstrual function, renders 
its use in this form very common, and our 
experience somewhat enlarged. Great cau- 
tion is requisite in the administration of either 
the hot or cold bath : for general use, the 



DISEASES OF FEMALES. 95 

tepid bath is to be preferred. In pregnancy^ 
Avon water is inadmissible ; it is, however, 
generally reputed to possess peculiarly pro- 
lific qualities. 

Puerperal Thrush.-— That peculiar form 
of inflammation which succeeds parturition 
in females, affecting the mouth and some- 
times the whole alimentary canal, has been 
in many signal instances relieved by the 
Avon waters. In these cases I have fre- 
quently administered them in connection 
with the mucilage of gum arabic, and pow- 
ders of calomel and pulv. ipecac.et opii, one 
grain of the former to four of the latter. 
This treatment has been very successful in 
chronic cases. One of the powders taken 
every night appears to prevent the intesti- 
nal irritation, which the use of the waters 
during the day, will sometimes occasion. 
Several very severe cases have been entire- 
ly cured, however, without the aid of any 
additional medicine. The warm water has 
been a valuable, and I consider it an indis- 
pensable auxiliary in their cure. 

During the years 1832 and 1834, these 
springs were the resort of hundreds of per- 
sons from our neighboring cities — viz., Ro- 
chester, Buffalo, Albany, &c, where the 
Asiatic cholera prevailed. Many of them 
were suffering from that state of the bow- 
els which is said to be indicative of the ap- 



86 ASIATIC CHOLERA. 

proach of this formidable disease. Such 
was the effect of the waters, however, that 
no case of disease of this kind occurred; 
but, on the contrary, the premonitory 
symptoms were removed, in every individ- 
ual case. 



MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 87 



CHAPTER V. 



MODE OF ADMINISTRATION & THERA- 
PEUTIC APPLICATION. 

We come now to the consideration of the 
proper mode of using the Avon waters in 
the cure of those chronic diseases to which, 
under different forms, they have, by experi- 
ence, been found applicable. It is to be 
borne in mind, that each individual case has 
its own peculiarities, and consequently that 
only general directions can be given for the 
administration of any remedy. Where the 
case is of such a nature as to require cau- 
tion in the use of medicines, the same prin- 
ciple will apply to this as to any other me- 
dicinal compound of equal power — viz., that 
if it be inapplicable, or improperly adminis- 
tered, it cannot cure, and may be produc- 
tive of injury. 

There are several springs, each of which, 
in its composition, is adapted to particular 
forms and stages of chronic disease ; and 



88 MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

this variety serves to give value and thera- 
peutic efficacy to the waters in the aggre- 
gate. For instance, in proportion as the 
disease which we wish to remove partakes 
of the character of acute inflammation, 
which may be in some measure ascertained 
by the local pain, or by the febrile excite- 
ment attending it, we desire to lessen the 
quantity of sulphuretted hydrogen gas. ]t 
would certainly be very injudicious to com- 
mence by drinking the prescribed quantity 
of the water of the New Bath spring, which 
contains 35 cubic inches of gas to the gal- 
lon ; for it should be remembered that the 
White Sulphur Springs of Virginia, accord- 
ing to the analysis of Professor Rogers, 
contain only 2i cubic inches of this gas in 
every gallon ; and Dr. Moorman, the resi- 
dent physician at those springs, considers it 
"greatly advantageous in many cases, par- 
ticularly in very excitable persons; to have 
the gas expelled, in part or in whole, before 
using it." When the nature of the case in- 
dicates caution, we would advise the visitor 
to commence with the heated water of the 
Lower Spring ; thus diminishing the quan- 
tity of gas as much as possible. The quan- 
tity of sulphuretted hydrogen contained in 
a gallon of the water of the Lower Spring, 
as may be seen by reference to the prece- 
ding analysis, is ten cubic inches; by heating 



MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 89 

in an open vessel, this quantity may be 
greatly reduced : and there being springs 
in the neighborhood presenting every pos- 
sible variety in this respect, the Avon wa- 
ters may be considered as adapted to all 
cases of disease in which the use of sul- 
phurous waters would be admissible or ad- 
vantageous. 

There is one fact which is of some im- 
portance, and should be borne in mind by 
the invalid visitor of these springs. Upon 
exposure to the atmospheric air, or if the 
temperature of the water be changed, a 
partial decomposition takes place ; and the 
same effects cannot be expected to follow 
its use as will if drank as it issues from the 
fountain, or at its source. Its medicinal ef- 
fect cannot fail to be very much altered by 
exposuie or changes of temperature. Suit- 
able precautions should be taken, if the wa- 
ter be drank at a distance from the springs, 
that its original nature be preserved. Quo 
propius aqua bibitur a fonte, eo efficacior; 
quo remotior, eofit languidior" * was the 
assertion of Hoffman. 

The use of milk associated with sulphurous 
waters was recommended by Hoffman and 
Bordeu. The latter relates the case of a 



♦Hoffman, Op. T. IV. § 15. " The nearer to the fountain water 
is drank, the more efficacious ; the more remote, the weaker the 
action." 



90 MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

very delicate and feeble woman, who was 
cured of a hemorrhage from the womb, by 
the waters of Barreges. When she drank 
them pure, they caused a very great heat 
and high fever. Cases of a similar nature 
have occurred at the Avon Springs. The 
treatise of Hoffman, " De Connubio aqua- 
rum mineralium cum lacte, longe saluberri- 
mo" is extant. The disagreeable taste of 
the water is, in some measure, concealed 
by this admixture. 

The operation of Avon water upon the 
human system in modified by the quantity 
drank in a given time, and by the constitu- 
tion, habit, and disease of the individual. 
Generally speaking, 4 or 6 half pint tumblers 
of the water, drank during the day, produce 
a mild cathartic effect ; and under its long- 
continued exhibition to this extent, no debil- 
ity ensues, but, on the contrary, the appe- 
tite and strength are very much increased. 
In very large doses — eight or ten tumblers 
a day, for example — it operates powerfully 
upon the bowels, kidneys, and skin. A mo- 
derate use of this water, persevered in for 
a considerable length of time, will produce 
an alterative effect, in cases where there 
is no acute inflammation. 

" A judicious mode of commencing the 
use of the Avon water, 5 ' says Dr. Francis, 
"is to take six or seven half-pint tumblers 



MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 91 

during the twenty-four hours : a couple of 
tumblers may be advantageously drank be- 
fore breakfast, and two or three hours after 
that meal the same quantity may again be 
taken, and an additional tumbler or two in 
the afternoon. To the sense of smell they 
present the usual properties of sulphuretted 
hydrogen gas, but in a very small degree ; 
they are not oppressive to the digestive or- 
gans. Some, how r ever, take them in larger 
quantity, and often repeat the draught. 
Others, again, never use them until after 
the first meal. Like the Ballston and Sara* 
toga waters, they are sometimes drank to a 
pernicious extent. It is expedient, therefore, 
in all cases, to regulate their administration 
by their immediate etFect ; and regard must 
be paid to age, sex, disease, constitution, 
and individual peculiarity. To guard against 
undue local determination, either cerebral, 
thoracic, or visceral, will always become a 
matter of professional duty." No rule can 
be given which will apply to many of the 
complicated and intractable cases which an- 
nually present themselves at these mineral 
fountains. With some, from half a pint to 
a pint daily is all that can be administered ; 
while there are others upon whom six or 
eight half-pint glasses make but a trifling 
impression. 

A painful tension of the epigastric or hy- 



02 MODE OP ADMINISTRATION. 

pochondriac regions is sometimes occasion- 
ed by the use of the water — a sensation of 
weight or constriction of the stomach, nau- 
sea, loss of appetite, or a suppression of 
some of the natural secretions. In these 
cases, the excitement which is produced is 
not distributed in an equable manner. This 
difficulty may be obviated by lessening the 
dose — by using gentle exercise, in order to 
produce slight perspiration — and by various 
means adapted to individual peculiarities. 

When heated, the Avon water is deprived 
of a portion of its sulphuretted hydrogen 
gas, and the salts with which it is impreg- 
nated are rendered more imediately aperi- 
ent. It may therefore be used in this way 
when the inflammatory diathesis prevails to 
such an extent as to resist its beneficial and 
successful administration in its natural state. 
If, however, the tendency to inflammation 
exists to such a degree as to preclude the 
use of the heated water, it becomes neces- 
sary to resort to other and more active pur- 
gatives, or to the lancet, in order to produce 
such a condition of the system as will be 
more favorable to its operation. Here, 
again, the variety of springs affords us effi- 
cient aid in the accomplishment of our ob- 
ject. If the chemical composition of the 
different springs be referred to, the quantity 
of aperient salts will be found to vary from 



MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 93 

82.98 grains in every gallon of water, (the 
New Bath spring,) to 296.24 grains, (the 
Sylvan Spring.) But the most active pur- 
gative salts contained in these waters are 
the sulphates of magnesia and soda. Of 
these the Lower Spring contains 63.34 grs. 
in every gallon of water — the New Bath, 
46.80 grs. — the Upper, 26grs, — and the Syl- 
van only 12.960 grs. The effects produced 
by the waters of these various fountains 
correspond with the known effects of the 
different substances which they contain ; 
and we find the heated water of the Lower 
Spring to be the most brisk cathartic. 

The time and manner of using the wa- 
ters may be so diversified as to produce va- 
rious effects upon the human system, or up- 
on particular organs. Their purgative ope- 
ration is mild, but certain, when from four 
to six half-pint glasses are taken in the 
early part of the day. When used as al- 
terants, they should be taken in small quan- 
tities frequently repeated, and their course 
continued a sufficient length of time for the 
manifestation of their action. Half a pint 
before breakfast, the same quantity at elev- 
en o'clock and at twelve in the forenoon ; 
will answer the intention : or if this be 
more than is demanded by the nature of 
the case, and the condition of the patient, 
the quantity taken at one time may be re- 



94 MODE OF ADMINISTRATION. 

duced. In some obstinate cases of rheu- 
matism and cutaneous disease, benefit has 
been received from the us? of the heated 
water in the evening ; but th s should not 
be attempted without proper medical ad- 
vice* 

In short, the administration of these wa- 
ters may be so regulated as to adapt them 
to fulfil various indications. They may be 
so administered as to render them efficient 
in many different ways. We may direct 
their. action towards the respiratory, the di- 
gestive, the urinary, or the generative or- 
gans; or to the capillary circulation. Again, 
by the selection of an appropriate spring; 
by the regulation of doses, and of the time 
and manner of using them, we may pro- 
duce a more immediate, or a more general 
and alterative effect. 

External Aplication of the Waters. — The 
publisher has, from necessity, excluded some 
general remarks on bathing, that were 
thought important, and calculated to ex- 
cite interest. The effect of bathing in hot 
or Cold water endowed with so much power, 
from its impregnation with gases and min- 
eral sails, is not be viewed lightly. Parti- 
cular directions, and tho^e adapted to indi- 
vidual cases, can only be given by a physi- 
cian well acquainted with the human sys- 
tem, the laws by which it is governed, and 



EXTERNAL USE. 95 

the diseases to which it is incident, and one 
also who has experimental knowledge of 
these waters. 

The author will give advice on the sub- 
ject to the poo? 9 according to their circum- 
stances, either gratuitously or for a trifling 
remuneration, at the "Upper Spring'' Bath- 
house, from 8 to 9 o'clock every forenoon ; 
and from 9 to 10 o'clock at the "Lower 
Spring " Bath-house. In both cases, Sun- 
days excepted. 



ERRATUM* 

Page 72 — after the word " stomachic " there should 
have been " complaints ; dyspepsia ; chronic dis- 
eases of the liver ; in scrofula ; in some diseases 
of the chest, and many diseases peculiar to 
females." 



r& 



f. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



022 169 335 



